Swimmer who drowned was recovering from brain surgery
Mr Griffin drowned while swimming at Silver Strand beach near Louisburgh.
A man who drowned at Silver Strand beach near Louisburgh last month had been treated for a brain tumour just months earlier.
Frank Griffin, aged 46, of Apt 7, De La Salle Place, Hopkins Road, Castlebar, and formerly of Kiltimagh, died on October 15, 2023.
Swinford Coroner's Court heard that Mr Griffin was reported missing on the date in question and a search involving the Coast Guard was launched. The body of the engineer was recovered from the water at Silver Strand and he was pronounced dead shortly after 1am on October 16.
Mr Griffin's Ford Focus van was found in a nearby car park. The vehicle had been observed in the area since October 14.
Consultant pathologist at Mayo University Hospital (MUH) Dr Fedal Benani said the medical cause of death was asphyxia due to drowning.
Mr Griffin, a single man, had surgery for a brain tumour in the months before his death and his family asked if this may have led to him suffering a seizure in the water before he drowned, especially as he had been feeling unwell in the days before his death.
Dr Benani said a seizure was quite possible but he could not say it happened with any degree of certainty.
"Anybody who has brain surgery is liable to have a convulsion," he added.
Coroner Pat O'Connor said he would record a verdict at a later stage. He praised the emergency services for their dedicated work during the search operation and sympathised with Mr Griffin's parents and siblings on their loss. Sgt Conor Drury also offered his condolences on behalf of An Garda Síochána.
