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Winnipeg's 'homeless hero' dies after alcoholism, jail and attempts at help

Darpan News Desk Canadian Press, 19 Aug, 2014 10:44 AM
    A man known as Winnipeg's "Homeless Hero" is being remembered as someone who battled alcoholism and other demons right up until his final days.
     
    Faron (FAH'-run) Hall's body was pulled from the Red River on Sunday and police say the death is not considered suspicious.
     
    Hall, who was 49, gained fame in 2009 when he risked his own life two separate times to save people from drowning in the river.
     
    Hall sometimes lived underneath a bridge and was candid about a lifelong battle with alcoholism.
     
    Marion Willis, who housed Hall in recent years, says he often sought treatment, but could not get into a long-term addictions program.
     
    Willis says Hall was in and out of jail, usually for violating an order to abstain from alcohol, and told her a few weeks ago he was going to beat the bottle.
     
    Manitoba deputy premier Eric Robinson talked with Hall in June and says Hall was stubborn and battled serious addiction, but was a kind soul who respected people.

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