Family’s anguish at delay in bringing Willie home
Maureen McGonigle. (2602PG05)
The family of a Magilligan man who died tragically in a house fire have spoken of their anguish at the delay in laying their loved one to rest.
Five weeks after Willie Fleming’s death, his heartbroken sister Maureen McGonigle revealed the family are still waiting to hear when they will be able to hold their 57-year-old brother’s funeral.
“It’s terrible because you’re trying to arrange things for the funeral, and you’re at the house waiting for people to call.
“It’s like you’re in wake mode all the time,” said Maureen. “You’re waiting, thinking, hoping. You don’t know if you’re coming or going. It would break your heart.”
The family explained the delay is due to medical reasons and, while they appreciate a complex process is involved, Maureen says it is “extremely stressful”.
“It’s our worst nightmare because you’re waiting and waiting,” said Maureen. “People have been more than good, calling to the house and, like us, they want to say their last farewells too but we can’t move on until we get Willie home and he is buried.”
In a statement to the ‘Journal’, the Coroners Service said “while the delay in this case is regrettable, the family of the presumed deceased have at all times been kept appraised of developments and have fully assisted the Coroner at all stages. It is hoped that formal identification of the remains will be completed within the next few weeks.”
Maureen also revealed the family’s grief had been compounded by malicious rumours about how her brother died, which she said had been very hurtful.
“Why would people say those things? Willie would never hurt anyone,” said Maureen. “It’s very hurtful and people should have some respect. It’s not fair.”
Maureen’s daughter, Cathy says since her uncle died the family have been unable to get any type of closure.
“We do appreciate everything that is being done to get Willie home, as we know it’s not an easy task, but we know everyone is working very hard to get it sorted, but it’s very stressful. We’ve never heard of anyone like us in this position. It’s like a bad dream.”
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Weather for Derry
Monday 20 May 2013
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 9 C to 13 C
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