[backhoe]

I'm glad he's gone, but may God have mercy on his soul. Now a question: in a drop hanging like this is death instantaneous?

FWIW, I agree on both counts.

More than you may care to know, about hanging, here:

http://www.richard.clark32.btinternet.co.uk/hanging2.html

The processes of judicial hanging

[Humidston]

Amazing information. Thanks!