Inxs Fan In Copycat Hanging
Sun Herald
Sunday December 14, 1997
A MAN has hanged himself with a belt after listening to an INXS record in what may be the first copycat suicide after the death of rock star Michael Hutchence.
Clark Pope, a father of two young children, was found dead in the bedroom of the family home in the village of Mt Hunter, near Camden, on the south-west outskirts of Sydney, eight days ago.
Police have confirmed an INXS record was on the stereo turntable when Mr Pope's wife, Raelene, found his body.
Sergeant Dave Black of Camden said Mr Pope, who was in his 30s, appeared to have been "very, very heavily intoxicated" when he hanged himself with a belt.
Sergeant Black discounted suggestions that a suicide note was left.
He said it was impossible to know what prompted Mr Pope to end his life.
"Mr Pope was a fan of INXS, yes," Sergeant Black said.
The Sun-Herald learnt of the tragedy from police in the nearby Bowral district, which has itself been struggling to come to terms with the suicide of five men in the tight-knit community of Bundanoon.
Mrs Pope did not dispute that her husband's death was linked to the rock star's demise, but she said it would be some weeks before she felt strong enough to discuss it.
Meanwhile, Hutchence's death remains a mystery. The coroner is expected to make a statement about his death tomorrow.
© 1997 Sun Herald