Following the sudden death of Monsignor David Gemmell on Thursday 6 March 2008 the following statement has been issued by the Archdiocese of St. Andrews and Edinburgh:

"The Cardinal and Priests of the Archdiocese of St Andrews and Edinburgh were stunned this morning to hear of the sudden death of Right Reverend Monsignor David Gemmell (54), Administrator of St Mary’s Cathedral in Edinburgh. He was on a short break in Barcelona to attend a football match, accompanied by his colleague from the Cathedral, Fr Hugh Purcell.

After a meal yesterday evening with Fr Purcell he let it be known that he
felt unwell but did not need medical help. This morning when he did not
appear for breakfast Fr Purcell contacted the hotel authorities and
Monsignor Gemmell was found dead in his room. Mgr Gemmell did have a pre-existing history of heart trouble. There are no further details at this time."

ENDS
Peter Kearney
Director
Catholic Media Office
5 St. Vincent Place
Glasgow
G1 2DH
0141 221 1168
07968 122291
pk@scmo.org
www.scmo.org