Brit found dead in Dagupan fishpond may be victim of hit-and-run driver

fishpond
The body of Gerald Thomas Higgins being removed from a fishpond in Dagupan city this morning. Police suspect he was hit by a car on the adjacent highway. Photo by DWCM Aksyon Radyo Pangasinan, via Facebook.

A British man found dead in a roadside fishpond in Dagupan City may have fallen victim to a hit-and-run driver.

The body of Gerald Thomas Higgins was discovered at 6.10am this morning (Wednesday, April 11) by the owner of the pond in Barangay Biec, Binmaley town.

ADVERTISEMENT

Local police chief, Superintendent Monaliza Asis believes that Mr Higgins may have fallen into the water after being struck by a west-bound vehicle on the adjacent road.

Speaking to ABS-CBN, she said: “When we looked at the area, we saw a skid mark, a long skid mark of the car. When we further investigated the scene, we could find no empty shells, so that would rule out a shooting incident.

“There were scratches on his arm and injuries to his face. He either fell very heavily into the fishpond, or was hit by something immediately before falling. We are continuing to investigate all the possible angles.”

ADVERTISEMENT

It is believed the incident occurred at some time in the previous evening, when Mr Higgins is believed to have gone for a night out in Dagupan City.

However, Supt. Asis added that the 56-year-old was often seen out jogging, walking or cycling along the Dagupan-Binmaley road.

She ruled out theft as a possible motive, as Mr Higgins’ wallet containing 5,000 pesos in cash and his mobile phone were found with his remains.

ADVERTISEMENT

Mr Higgins had been a resident of the town for the past 10 years. He was married and had one daughter.

Inquiries into the death are ongoing and being led by police investigator PO2 Mark Christian Paraan.

Like our page on Facebook

Comments are closed.