‘Awful tragedy’ as ‘much-loved’ boy, 6, who died after being found unresponsive in car in Dunmore East named locally
A SIX-year-old boy who died after he was found unresponsive in a car was “loved very much”, shocked locals said today.
The child, named locally as Matthew Purcell, was discovered in a coastal area of Co around midnight today.
It’s understood the alarm was raised by a local in the area who came upon a distressed woman near the village of Dunmore East.
Desperate attempts were made to save the child’s life, before he was taken by ambulance to University Hospital Waterford but he was sadly pronounced dead after 2am.
A woman in her late 30s, who is known to the child, was detained near the scene and brought to a garda station in Waterford.
It’s believed she was in an extremely distressed state and had been treated initially before being brought into custody, where medical support was also made available for her.
A source who knew the people say the child was loved dearly while the woman was described as the “nicest girl you could meet.”
Post-mortem results are being awaited to determine the cause of death of the young lad, however the discovery is being treated as suspicious due to the circumstances.
Officers and emergency responders found the boy unresponsive in a car nearby after midnight.
The arrested woman, from Waterford, is currently detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984 and can be held for 24 hours.
Most read in Irish News
Today, a minor road in the Rathmoylan area outside Dunmore East and near to the coast was sealed off as a technical examination took place.
Local Councillor Pat Fitzgerald told how people were stunned at the news.
He told the Irish Sun: “It seems to be an awful tragedy. Our hearts go out to the boy.
“Our deepest condolences to all of the family, it’s a dreadful, dreadful incident. It’s just a terrible tragedy.”
Fr Richard O’Halloran, who is the parish priest of St Mary’s Church in Carbally, explained the tragedy came so soon after he said the funeral mass of little Kobi Macharia Dooly last month.
Recent tragedy
Four-year-old Kobi was stabbed to death in London in December. The Dooly family brought his remains back to his paternal home of Tramore to be buried.
Fr O’Halloran told the Irish Sun: “The news was breaking this morning, but already there was great sadness in the area.
“Unfortunately we had another funeral in recent weeks of a child who also died in tragic circumstances in England.
“And they brought the child back to his paternal home of Tramore.
“So just within the area, it was a shock to hear of another death of a child.
“The death of any child just brings tremendous sadness. Our thoughts and sympathies are with those affected by this.”
'Difficult time'
Bishop of Waterford and Lismore Alphonsus Cullinan said: “Our hearts go out to the family and loved ones of the young child during this incredibly difficult time.
“The tight knit community in Dunmore East will be devastated by this heartbreaking loss. The death of a child is an unimaginable tragedy, and our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this deeply tragic loss. We extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the young boy as they navigate through this time of immense grief and sorrow.
“In times of such profound loss, it is important for us to come together in solidarity, compassion, and support for one another. We urge the community to offer their support to those who are grieving and to uphold them in their time of need.”
The Bishop paid tribute to the first responders who did their best to save his life, and added: “As a faith community, we will hold the family of the young boy in our prayers, seeking comfort and solace for them during this incredibly challenging period. We ask for privacy and respect for the family as they come to terms with their devastating loss.”
READ MORE SUN STORIES
are trying to establish the full circumstances of the incident and events leading up to it.
A garda spokesman said: “The outcome of the post-mortem examination will determine the course of the investigation.”
