OVER THE PARAPET.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 229, 27 September 1929, Page 8

OVER THE PARAPET.

JUMPED TO DEATH.

INQUEST ON MR. OTWAY,

VERDICT OF SUICIDE,

Mr. F. K. Hunt, S.M., concluded an inquiry to-day into the death of Joseph McDuff Otway, who died at Auckland Hospital on September 11, from injuries sustained through jumping from Grafton Bridge. Evidence was given by the deceased's daughter that her father was 61 years of age, and lived with her at 135, Eden Terrace. He was a marine smith by occupation. Her father had suffered from pains in the head, and was very depressed after he had suffered from influenza. A. H. Sorrenson said he was working at a house in Grafton Road, when someone called out: "Look, there's a man climbing on Grafton Bridge." Witness saw the man jump from the top of the bridge. He went and informed a traffic inspector, and when he got to the gully he recognised the man as Mr. Otway, whom he had known for some time. Constable Edwards said when he got to where Mr. Otway was lying the man was quite conscious, and said: "I jumped over Grafton Bridge, but I don't know why I did it. I am sorry to have caused so much trouble." Dr. Keith Mackay stated that Mr. Otway died at the hospital about two hours after admission. He was suffering from a fractured head and spine, also paralysis, which resulted in his death. The Coroner .returned a verdict of suicide by jumping over Grafton Bridge.