JCF Closes Investigation into Bob Woolmer’s Death

The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) has officially closed its investigation into the death of former Pakistan cricket coach, Bob Woolmer, and as such, has accepted that he died of natural causes and was not murdered.
Commissioner of Police, Lucius Thomas, who was addressing journalists at a press conference today (June 12) at the Police Officers’ Club, stated that the decision was arrived at following the provision of three independent views from prominent international pathologists who have said that the coach died of natural causes.
“The JCF,” Commissioner Thomas revealed, “is in the process of submitting a final report to the Coroner, Mr. Patrick Murphy because ultimately it will be his office that will determine the cause of Bob Woolmer’s death.” He added that the JCF has provided him with a comprehensive investigation to assist him in his deliberations.
“We have always stated that the JCF would conduct a thorough and far-reaching investigation to seek the truth.the JCF conducted a thorough and professional investigation where nothing was left to chance or assumption,” the Commissioner said.
Mr. Thomas said that from the first statement was issued on March 18, “we have consistently communicated that the enquiry into the death of Bob Woolmer was an open investigation that would seek the truth and establish the circumstances and cause of his death.”
The Commissioner explained that in addition to the three opinions garnered from the pathologists, the results of the toxicology tests have now been completed and “no substance was found to indicate that Mr. Woolmer was poisoned or in any other way incapacitated.”
Commenting on the allegations of match fixing and corruption within the international cricketing arena as the motive for Mr. Woolmer’s death, the Commissioner pointed out that neither the International Cricket Council (ICC) nor the investigators have found any evidence to substantiate this claim.
“Every aspect of illegal betting, match fixing and other corrupt practices in relation to international cricket has been examined. Neither the ICC nor the JCF has found any evidence at all of any impropriety by players, match officials or management during the investigation,” he reiterated.
Additionally, Mr. Thomas maintained that although the law enforcement agency has been criticized for providing too much information, all information given was based on analysis and the work of professionals, pathologists, forensic experts and the police.
Meanwhile, a statement released by the International Cricket Council Cricket World Cup 2007 Incorporated (ICC CWC 2007 Inc) emphasized that the organization sincerely hoped that the conclusion of the investigation by the police “will now cause speculation to cease and provide an opportunity for his [Mr. Woolmer’s] family, friends and former colleagues to continue the healing process.”
“The fact of his death is no less tragic and the international cricketing community has still lost a great practitioner and coach, one who gave much to the game,” the statement said.
Mr. Woolmer, who was 58 years old, was pronounced dead at the University Hospital of the West Indies after he was found unconscious in his room at the Jamaica Pegasus on March 18.