Young mum died in fall at holiday home in Mayo
Coroner Pat O'Connor returned a verdict of accidental death.
A young mother died after falling down the stairs in a holiday home in South Mayo, an inquest has heard.
The inquest at Swinford Courthouse returned a verdict of accidental death in the case of Jessie Lawrence, a 35-year-old mother-of-two who suffered fatal injuries while holidaying in Cong last August
Ms Lawrence, of 41 Orchardway, Stratford upon Avon, England, who died on August 18 last at Mayo University Hospital (MUH), two days after falling at the Airbnb where she was staying.
Garda Patrick Coen told the inquest he was asked to attend the scene of a sudden death at MUH and spoke to the deceased’s partner Graeme Toney on August 21.
Mr Toney informed Garda Coen that he and the deceased had been renting an Airbnb in Cong with their two children, aged six and four. In the early hours of August 16, one of the children was crying during the night and Jessie left their bedroom to comfort the youngster. A short time later, he heard his partner shout as she tumbled down the stairs. He found Jessie lying at the bottom of the stairs and noticed she was bleeding from the ear.
Mr Toney said he phoned 999 and ambulance personnel attended the scene. No garda attended and the paramedic later told Garda Coen this was because he didn’t believe the death was suspicious.
The scene was subsequently photographed and examined by Garda Russell Gibbons from the Scenes of Crime Unit who concluded there was no evidence of foul play.
Consultant pathologist at MUH, Dr Tamas Nemeth, said an external examination of the body showed multiple bruising around the back and chest as well as contusion to the head and blood staining. There were multiple fractures to the skull resulting in subdural haemorrhage and massive brain edema. Dr Nemeth said he believed the medical cause of death was brain herniation due to traumatic brain injury.
Returning a verdict of accidental death, coroner Patrick O’Connor sympathised with the deceased's family, including her sister Liz who travelled from England for the inquest.
“For a young woman of 35 with two children, it is so difficult to find words to express sympathy over the trauma of her passing, but I extend my sincere sympathy to you."
Mr O'Connor also praised the family for giving life to others by donating Liz's organs.
“This is one of the most most noble things a family in grief can do and you all have to be commended for that.”
Mr O'Connor also extended thanks to the first responders and Garda Coen.
