'Deeply saddened' - Family of millionaire American man killed in top Irish hotel break silence

The family of millionaire financier John McGowan who was allegedly murdered by his son Henry at Ballyfin Demesne hotel in Laois said he “desperately” tried to help him as he “suffers with a severe mental illness”.

Repatriation arrangements are being made to bring the remains of McGowan back to the US following Tuesday evening’s fatal assault. Mr McGowan’s 30-year-old son is charged with his murder and is currently being held in Cloverhill prison.

The 66-year-old financier died when his son allegedly assaulted him in the pool area of the five-star luxury hotel. Staff alerted authorities at around 8pm when the Connecticut native was found unresponsive in the resort which is popular with global celebrities.

Gardai confirmed Mr McGowan died following a “fatal assault”.

READ MORE: American man, 30, charged with murder of his father, 60, at plush Irish five-star hotel

READ MORE: Son arrested over death of father at top five-star Laois hotel popular with celebrities

Portlaoise District court was told by the accused man’s solicitor Barry Fitzgerald that Mr McGowan suffers from significant mental health difficulties. Presiding judge Andrew Cody allowed Mr McGowan Jnr to receive immediate medical assistance relating to his mental health.

In a statement to The New York Times, the McGowan family said they were “deeply saddened by the death of John McGowan. He did everything within his power to bring his son Henry, who suffers from a severe mental illness, the help he so desperately needs.”

The family added in the statement that they request privacy at this “difficult time” and will not be commenting further.

Mr McGowan Snr’s funeral arrangements are yet to be announced.

It is understood that Mr McGowan had flown to Ireland to be with his son due to his erratic behaviour after he learned that he had arrived in Ireland on Monday last.

Mr McGowan Snr lived in New Canaan, Connecticut and was a head partner for a brokerage firm specialising in trading on the New York stock exchange. He had also worked as a Head Partner for Cohen, Duffy, McGowan & Co LLC, but more recently worked with Torus Capital.

The accused man had been living in Brooklyn and worked for a technology software company.

Last year Mr McGowan Jnr ran the New York marathon in aid of the National Alliance on Mental Illness. He wrote on fundraisers.hakuapp.com that he was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder Type I.

A Family Liaison Officer (FLO) has been appointed to support the family of the deceased according to gardai. The Garda Technical Bureau and the Office of the State Pathologist spent most of Wednesday at the scene.

A senior officer has also been appointed to lead the investigation and an incident room has been set up at Portlaoise Garda Station.

Mr McGowan Jnr was remanded in custody to re-appear before the court via video link on Monday next.

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