Farrow's death ruled suicide; family releases statement - Updated 4:07 p.m.
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Patrick Farrow |
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By Brent Curtis Staff Writer - Published: June 17, 2009
CASTLETON — Vermont Chief Medical Examiner Steven Shapiro ruled the death of Castleton sculptor Patrick Farrow a suicide Wednesday.
In a statement released Wednesday afternoon, Vermont State Police said Shapiro conducted an autopsy and determined the death was the result of a single gunshot wound to the head. Because of the suicide determination, police said they would no longer comment on the investigation.
Farrow, 66, was a prominent local artist. Police said his body was discovered late Monday night in the gallery.
The family released a statement this afternoon.
"The family of Patrick Farrow is grieving the tragic loss of their beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle, who sadly chose to take his own life," the statement read. "They greatly appreciate the support of their friends during this extremely difficult time and trust the media will respect their privacy."
The artist's death came as a shock to townspeople, who said he and his wife were a familiar sight walking the length of Main Street together every morning.
"They were always so pleasant," said town office employee Mary Ann Jakubowski. "Quite a few people have been calling in today wanting to know what's going on."
State Sen. William Carris, a longtime friend of Farrow's, said the artist's friends and family were distraught over his death, especially his wife, who Carris said was "devastated."
"He was a good friend who cared more about his family than anyone I know," he said. "He was a great husband, father, artist and world citizen."
Farrow worked as a professional sculptor for more than 35 years and he was a fellow in the National Sculpture Society. For Rutland residents, his most recognizable piece is "The Leash," a sculpted dog tugging on an invisible chain. The piece is a permanent resident of Depot Park in the city's downtown.
Farrow was also active in the city's political life, running two unsuccessful campaigns for a seat on the city's Board of Aldermen, and he was an outspoken opponent of the Vicon incinerator trash-to-energy-plant proposed for Greens Hill Lane.
On the world stage, Farrow spoke out against the war and occupation in Iraq and he was in the news last year commenting on the death of his nephew, Army Sgt. Jason Dene, who died during his third tour of duty in Iraq.
brent.curtis@rutlandherald.com