Publisher Death Likely a Suicide
- Share via
ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Philip Merrill, the newspaper publisher and former diplomat whose June 10 disappearance on a lone sailing trip prompted an intensive search, apparently committed suicide, the family said Tuesday.
“During the course of the investigation into the disappearance of Phil, we have come to learn that the events that occurred on June 10 were in all likelihood the result of his own efforts to take his life,” said a family statement.
A law enforcement source said Merrill, 72, had apparently suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
According to the family, Merrill “underwent significant heart surgery over a year ago and was on several medications.” The family said they had noticed “his spirit had dimmed” and he “was fatigued and unmotivated.”
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
More From the Los Angeles Times
Podcasts
John Orr was a renowned fire investigator who was also a prolific arsonist, and whose thinly veiled novel helped to convict him. In this episode we hear from the fire captain who first suspected him—and from Orr himself.
Tom Girardi was a legal legend—until he was found guilty of stealing millions from his own clients. Host Madison McGhee and pop culture commentator Kiki Monique unpack how his downfall became a Real Housewives scandal, and what Erika Jayne may or may not have known. Plus, L.A. Times reporter Harriet Ryan joins to share how she helped bring Girardi’s crimes to light.
Sammy Roth visits America’s second-largest nuclear plant, Arizona’s Palo Verde Generating Station, and sits down with three experts to explore the pros and cons of atomic energy.
