June 20, 2006



During the course of the DNR 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. We were shocked at the news and found it very difficult to accept.

However, Phil lived his life openly and honestly. In this spirit, particularly out of respect for friends and colleagues, we feel his last actions must be understood for what they were. Phil underwent significant heart surgery over a year ago and was on several medications as a result of it. Over the past four weeks we observed that his spirit had dimmed. We spoke to him and consulted his physician about it. He was fatigued and unmotivated, a clear departure from his lifelong optimistic outlook and irrepressible spirit. We were concerned for his welfare but never imagined that he would consider taking his own life.

Unfortunately, with the same resolve and single-mindedness that made him so effective as an executive, he appears to have made his decision to carry out his actions with tragic consequences. The anger and shame of hearing the news has given way to sadness and grief. It’s impossible for us to imagine that the father and husband that we knew and loved was capable of this act. Everyone who knew Phil had no doubt that he loved life and lived it to the fullest. We ask everyone to remember him as we will -- for the first amazing 71 years of his life.

The Merrill family