The body of a renowned journalist was found in the Irish Sea and recovered shortly before 2am on Thursday, reports the Irish Independent.
Police believe Carline Walsh, the Irish Times literary editor, walked into the sea between Seapoint and the West Pier in Dun Laoghaire, south Dublin, late on Wednesday night. Walsh, 59, had been suffering from depression.
Her car was found parked at the West Pier car park and sources said there were indications left that she intended to take her life.
Emergency services were alerted shortly after midnight and both the Coastguard and police helicopters attended the scene. Walsh was later declared dead at St Vincent's Hospital.
Walsh was the daughter of the novelist and short story writer, Mary Lavin. She grew up in Co Meath with her two sisters. In the 80s and 90s she worked on the news and features pages and became literary editor in 1999. A collection of her Loose Leaves column was published in 1980.
Last week, literary figures paid tribute to Ms Walsh.
"It is shocking news, a sadness that will be felt by every writer in the country and by her wide circle of friends," said Seamus Heaney.
"Caroline was a generous woman and an important presence in the country in her capacity as literary editor of the Irish Times. She was greatly respected for her contribution to our cultural life and beloved for the kind and distinguished person she was. Our thoughts are with James Ryan and all of her family at this distressing moment."
Colm Toibin said that, in her role as an editor, she displayed "immense generosity, intelligence and flair. For her, the ethos of the Irish Times, what the paper meant in Ireland, was an idea that she treasured as something fundamental in her life."
Ms Walsh lived in Ranelagh, Dublin and is survived by her husband and two children. Her funeral took place on Christmas Eve at the University Church on St Stephen's Green, Dublin.
5 Comments
-
-
-
-
-
Switch to the desktop site to post a comment.Jakki | Dec 26, 2011, 10:12 PM EST
Very sad! My heartfelt sympathies to her husband & children. Suicide is very complex, along with depression and often difficult to get the right treatment. In my opinion people do not want to die, they just do not want to live with the helpless & hopeless feelings associated with depression. grief is complicated for family /friends when someone decides to end their own life. R. I P.
sirpeter | Dec 26, 2011, 10:02 PM EST
Unbelievable.As a society we have a lot to answer for.No sooner are our babies born but parents pile their own expectations upon them.We give kids no time instead of it all.Everywhere the pressure is kept up.Everywhere.It's not surprising people bow out.But do they have to make it so final.Half the fun in life has got to be knowing on your deathbed what the hell happened.She could have waited.
jacersagain | Dec 26, 2011, 08:39 PM EST
Horribly sad this event in the lives of the many of us she shared her words with but still chose to leave us as "the left behind". I need to watch that movie again - whatsit called? oh yeah, West Side Story. That song "I'm Depressed, I'm depressed" where the youngsters are influenced by social workers telling them that they already done for in the same world we all share? Better that everyone watches that movie "It's a Wonderful Life" for the real message to suicidal-tendant people. It only takes 2 more hours out of one's life to watch it.
happyfeet | Dec 26, 2011, 11:00 AM EST
tragic loss of a brilliant journalist...our prayers are with her family and friends.
bunkerisland | Dec 26, 2011, 09:56 AM EST
The complexities of depression often go unnoticed by others. How unfortunate that therapy and support were either not utilized or ineffective.