An 89-year-old man who was killed in an apparent attack at Mercy University Hospital in Cork lost his wife in early January.
The elderly man was a patient at the hospital when he was attacked by another patient at around 5.30am on Sunday morning. The tragedy comes just weeks after the death of the victim's wife.
The family also suffered a personal tragedy many years ago when they lost their young daughter. The deceased man, from Berrings, Co Cork, is survived by his three children and his eight grandchildren.
FOLLOW LIVE: Updates from Cork where man in his 80s is killed in attack on hospital ward
The Irish Mirror understands that the victim and attacker were both inpatients on the same ward in Mercy Hospital and were not known to each other prior to the incident.
Gardai were notified of the incident shortly after 5am in the morning.
The victim is understood to have been brutally beaten to death by his attacker. Gardaí have arrested a man in his 30s in relation to the attack and are not looking for anyone else at this time.
He was arrested at the scene by investigating Gardaí and taken to Bridewell Garda Station, Cork where he is currently detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984.
Gardaí have said: "The scene is currently preserved for forensic and technical examination. An incident room has been established at the Bridewell Garda Station and the services of the State Pathologist have been requested."
A Garda family liaison officer has been appointed and the family of the deceased have been notified.
Locals have been expressing their shock at such an incident happening in the city.
Speaking to the Mirror this morning, Deirdre Forde the Lord Mayor of Cork, said the entire county will be in shock over the news.
“It’s very sad news this morning and we are all devastated to hear it.
“It’s just dreadful for that poor man’s family and friends. To go into a hospital when you’re unwell and you hope to improve and come out healthier, and to have this to happen is beyond imagination.
“At the same time I believe such an incident as this will force hospitals to reevaluate their situations.
“The whole of Cork will be shocked to hear about this incident.
“My thoughts and prayers go out to those involved and to the staff, the nurses and doctors at Mercy Hospital who must be traumatised by this incident.”
Long-time advocate for the elderly in Cork, Paddy O'Brien, has offered his condolences to the family of the deceased following the shocking incident.
"I just heard what happened on the news. I sympathise with the family of the man on this tragedy. For a man to go in to hospital only to lose his life. I don't know what to say.
"The Mercy is a fine hospital. I spent a period there myself in 2020. But this is an awful, desperate tragedy. That poor man went in hospital with some illness and nobody could expect a tragedy like this to happen."
When contacted a spokesperson for the HSE said that neither it nor the Hospital could comment on the matter as there is a “live garda investigation,” and referred this paper to the Garda press office.
A Statement from Mercy University Hospital read: "Mercy University Hospital (MUH) Cork can confirm that An Garda Síochána are investigating a fatal incident involving a man in his late eighties at the hospital early this morning (January 20, 2023).
"The incident occurred after 5 am and An Garda Síochána were immediately alerted. The Gardaí have cordoned off and preserved the scene for forensic and technical examination.
"The hospital is providing counselling services to patients and staff affected by the incident.”
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