Three suicides recorded at one day of inquests in Limerick

THREE verdicts of suicide were recorded during one sitting of Limerick Coroner’s Court.

Asphyxiation was given as the cause of death in the inquests of two men and one woman.

The first case listed in Kilmallock Courthouse was of a woman who was found by her husband when he returned home from work.

Consultant Pathologist, Dr Teresa Laszlo said antidepressant drugs were found in therapeutic levels from a toxicology report.

Coroner John McNamara asked the family of the deceased present if she had been having mental health difficulties.

A family member said she had postnatal depression years ago but that it had come back. The family member said she had been taking tablets for years and they were “trying to find the right amount”.

Mr McNamara said he was sorry for the family’s tragic loss.

Inspector Gearoid Thompson expressed his condolences on behalf of An Garda Siochana.

The husband of the deceased said: “We love her and miss her”.

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In the second suicide, the inquest heard how the alarm was raised and how family, a neighbour, firefighters and paramedics came to his aid.

He was taken to University Hospital Limerick but later passed away.

A family member said his actions were “very strange, very unexpected” and “maybe it was a cry for help”.

Dr Laszlo said antidepressant and recreational drugs were in his system but they weren’t at high levels.

Mr McNamara asked if they thought he intended it? “No,” they replied.

The coroner noted that some of his organs were donated. A family member said they had got a letter from Organ Donation and Transplant Ireland that their loved one’s heart and liver has given new life to two people.

Mr McNamara said it was some positive from the family’s tragedy. He said while he didn’t want to upset the family it was important it be recorded as a suicide.

“It is important to say what it is and for statistical reasons to help others in terms of services. It is another suicide. We have to face up to it,” said McNamara.

The family agreed with the coroner who expressed his sincere condolences as did Insp Thompson. Mr McNamara commended the efforts of the neighbour and emergency services at the scene.

The third suicide was that of a man who was discovered at his home in County Limerick. A toxicology report showed antidepressant medication at normal levels was found in his system. Mr McNamara and Insp Thompson extended their sympathies to the family.

If you have been affected by this article contact any of the following organisations: Samaritans: 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org; Aware: 1800 80 48 48; Pieta: 1800 247 247 or email mary@pieta.ie