The silence from Bahamian authorities on the toxicological details of the death of Daniel Smith has left some members of the public describing the situation as “embarrassing”.
In the wake of information in the US press yesterday that the cause of Daniel Smith’s death had been confirmed, evidence appeared to be growing that either Bahamian authorities were being unresponsive, or the matter had been taken entirely out of their hands.
Yesterday, the American press reported confirmation of the toxicology report on Daniel by Dr Cyril Wecht, the American pathologist who flew to the Bahamas at the request of Mr Smith’s mother Anna Nicole to carry out the 20 year old’s autopsy.
Mr Smith was found to have died from the fatal affect that three drugs had on his heart and respiratory system when consumed together.
Traces of two antidepressants, Lexapro and Zoloft, as well as methadone, a painkiller and, in some instances, heroin substitute, were found in Smith’s body by the pathologist.
Dr Wecht emphasised that in his opinion the boy’s death was accidental.
However, calls to Bahamian authorities seeking confirmation of the details proved fruitless – and raised the question of who, if anybody, had any responsibility for the situation in the country.
Former Chief Coroner Linda Virgill told The Tribune that though it was “unfair”, she was “in no position to assist”.
On the advice of Ms Virgill, The Tribune contacted Chief Magistrate Roger Gomez, who Ms Virgill said was the person to whom she believed “all information on the matter was being directed”.
However, Mr Gomez said he too was not privy to any relevant information.
“We weren’t supplied with a copy (of the report),” he said.
Mr Gomez added that he had only seen the details in the press and on the internet, like the rest of the public.
Disgruntled lawyer and human rights activist, Paul Moss, described the situation as “poor, but typical.”
“A person from the outside seems to know far more than us about what’s going on in the country,” said the lawyer.
“It’s embarrassing really.”
By ALISON LOWE, The Tribune
