Exclusive – Two Years Later, Port Hope Family Still Looking for Answers After Loved One Found Beaten on Beach
It was two years ago today that David Purcell’s brother was taken off life support after being beaten on the beach in Port Hope.
Since that day, David Purcell and his family have been looking for answers.
Why was his brother killed and by who?
Police have yet to confirm that 59-year-old Ian Purcell was murdered.
Members of Northumberland OPP and Port Hope Police are investigating after Purcell was found on August 5, 2022 at approximately 10:20 a.m. on the west beach.
Purcell was taken to hospital and transferred to a Toronto hospital when on August 12, 2022 the family took him off life support.
David Purcell and his wife were shopping at Costco when they received the news that his brother had been beaten.
“Ian had been beaten quite badly. So we drove home and he was taken to St. Mikes.”
Purcell did have a girlfriend, but after being housed at several places, they were homeless and lived on the west beach.
While living on the west beach during the winter months, a heavy snowfall collapsed their tent.
Both were trapped, but were freed and suffered minor injuries.
David said his brother and the woman broke up in September.
From the moment of the first call, David said he was informed that his brother had been beaten, suffering several fractures to his skull.
David said he didn’t believe there were any other injuries to his body but, “he was severely beaten about the face and head. Definitely they meant to kill him and not leave him as a witness.”
David said his brother was beaten so badly he was unrecognizable.
In the beginning police were conducting a major investigation into the death – but through time, there has been no news.
With the brothers being born and raised in Port Hope, David said there has been a lot of public interest around town and he gets asked regularly from people around town if there is any update.
Two of the five son’s of Purcell still live in Port Hope.
“Everybody is wondering what happened, and so are we.”
“We don’t have any answers.”
David said he understands evidence may be heard given where his brother was found on the west beach.
“The evidence could have been thrown in the water.”
But states that he is aware of a video showing individuals near his brothers tent.
“If we get some answers it will be a lot better – for us and his kids.”
Today’s Northumberland reached out to OPP Detective Inspector Jane Conway who had not provided a update by press time.
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Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love