Mayo teen's tragic death not linked to TikTok video, inquest rules

A social media video was not a factor in the tragic, accidental death of a South Mayo teenager, a coroner has ruled.

Coroner Patrick O'Connor made his finding at an inquest into the death of Caylum Flynn, aged 14, of Seefin, Scardaune, Claremorris, on August 6, 2022. An inquest at Swinford Courthouse heard that the teenager was still breathing when he was found by his father Alan after he accidentally caught his head in a haulage strap, which he was using while working on a go-kart in a shed at his home.

Mr Flynn explained to the inquest that his son regularly worked on the go-kart and used a large strap to lift it while he carried out the repairs. The heavy-duty haulage strap was wrapped around a piece of steel rebar which was then inserted between two timber joists in the roof of the shed.

Mr Flynn said he saw Caylum playing in the garden at 6.30pm and the teenager was in good form. Caylum spoke to his brother Evan at about 7.10pm while he was working at his bench in the shed. Evan said his brother was in good spirits and his usual happy self. He was later heard using a drill in the shed.

Shortly before 7.30pm, Mr Flynn went into the shed and noticed that Caylum had become entangled in the strap. He quickly removed him, called an ambulance and performed CPR until five paramedics arrived.

Darren Forde, of Hollymount Community First Responders Group, who had been attending a GAA match in Garrymore, said he received a notification on his mobile phone at 7.33pm of a cardiac arrest. He followed the Eircode to the Flynn house, which was a three-minute drive from the pitch, and resuscitation efforts continued until Dr Catherine Sweeney pronounced the boy dead at 8.30pm.

Consultant pathologist Dr Tomas Nemeth confirmed the medical cause of death was due to asphyxia.

The teenager's father told the inquest he was convinced his son had died as a result of a tragic accident.

“He was big into working as a mechanic and he used the strap for fixing his go-kart and whatever way he fell he must have just got caught in it," he said. "I am 100% sure it was a tragic accident."

Brother Evan also reiterated that he had no doubts it was a terrible accident while Gda Ian Coyne, who attended the scene, said he also believed it had been an accidental death. Caylum, who played Gaelic football with Carras GAA and soccer with Claremorris AFC, had been looking forward to a big match two days later.

The inquest heard that a video of Caylum had been shared on the social media channel TikTok in the days after the tragedy and there were local rumours it was connected to the tragic incident. However, Garda Seán Ryan, who examined Caylum's phone, told the inquest there was no evidence found on the device linking the death to the video.

Mr O'Connor said he had also viewed the TikTok video and strongly ruled out any connection.

"I looked at it myself and there is no evidence that it had anything to do whatsoever with Caylum's passing," said the coroner. "It just happened to be a compilation of him being himself."

Mr O’Connor said he was satisfied the teenager's death had been a “dreadful, tragic” event.

“There is no doubt in my mind that this was a tragic accident," he said. "Being the mechanic that he was, he unfortunately slipped and fell on the strap and that unfortunately led to his passing."

Mr O'Connor praised the paramedics, Gardaí and everyone who did everything they could to save Caylum's life. He sympathised with the Flynn family on their heartbreaking loss, while Gda Sgt Sean McHale offered condolences on behalf of An Garda Síochána.