Father believes culture of cheap alcohol contributed to his son’s suicide

THE father of a 19-year-old Mayo man who took his life by jumping into the River Moy believes the culture of cheap alcohol and house parties contributed to his son’s death.

David Higgins drowned in the early hours of March 13. He was last seen walking along the Lower Bridge in Ballina at approximately 6.30am. His body was found 14 days later after an extensive search.

The inquest recorded a verdict of death by suicide, with alcohol cited as a contributory factor.