Vigil to be held for family man killed at East Sussex holiday resort
Michael McDonagh died following an altercation at the Parkdean resort
Last updated 4th Aug 2023
The family of a man killed at a holiday resort in East Sussex one year ago today are holding a vigil there this afternoon, August 5.
Father-of-six, Michael McDonagh, from Sligo, Ireland, died following an suspected altercation with a group of people at the Parkdean site in Camber Sands.
Seven people have been arrested by Sussex Police – six have been bailed and one released with no further action as the investigation continues.
The 53-year-old’s daughter, Stephanie McDonagh, said: "It's probably the worst year of our lives, as anyone could imagine, and it's been an extremely difficult year for everyone.
"Obviously, we know what's happened to dad, we know that he's not with us any more, but understanding that and processing that is completely different.
"You still expect to see him, you still expect to see him walk through the door, you still pull out your phone, and try to call him."
The family hopes the candlelit vigil, open to the public, will raise awareness and encourage any witnesses to help the police with their investigations along with honouring him.
Stephanie added: "Dad had his wife and six children and his two grandchildren but the effect he had on his extended family and friends is massive.
"It's not just his family that were affected by his death. There's so many other people that still want answers."
Sussex Police Detective Chief Inspector Emma Vickers said: "We have been conducting a thorough, complex investigation into the death of Michael McDonagh since the tragic events of 6 August 2022.
"Our thoughts remain with Michael's family, who are being supported by specialist officers while we search for the answers they deserve.
"A dedicated team has completed a painstaking review of CCTV footage and taken more than 150 statements as we look to establish the full facts of what happened that evening.
"Six people arrested on suspicion of Michael's murder have been released under investigation, while a seventh person who had been arrested has been released with no further action.
"We continue to appeal for any witnesses, or people with relevant video footage, to contact police online or via 101, quoting Operation Molton."