The Wexford inquest has heard that an 18-year-old, who tragically lost his life after being trapped by his car last year, had joyously passed his NCT just a few hours prior to the heartbreaking incident. Colm Donnelly, a Tinnock resident from Gorey who was studying for his Leaving Certificate, was at home working on his car on the day of the catastrophe in February 2023, as was revealed in the Dublin District Coroner’s Court sitting on Tuesday.
Colm had managed to pass the NCT, following which he acquired new tyres, and harboured intentions of fitting a new exhaust system for his vehicle before school the next day, according to his father, Walter. Post his son initiating the work that evening, Walter received a phone call from him, during which the word “Da” was constantly echoed.
Walter revealed that his son Colm was lying on his back, arms extended, and his phone was a short distance from him, seemingly voice-activated. Walter noticed that the jack that was being used to lift the car had slid sideways and was jammed, and the vehicle had slipped onto his son, pinning him from his middle to his head. In spite of blocks and wedges being used as a safety measure along with the jack, the mishap occurred.
Walter added that when Colm attempted to detach the exhaust, his strength shifted the jack. He wasn’t crushed, and he didn’t have a mark on him, though he was unable to breathe. Even though his feet were moving, there was no response to his father’s voice.
Walter promptly contacted his neighbour, who helped with a new jack to lift the car, and together, they extracted Colm from under the car, but he was “lifeless”, the inquest was informed. Walter performed CPR until medical assistance arrived. Colm was then rushed to St Vincent’s University Hospital in Dublin.
Recounting the day of their progeny’s passing, Walter mentioned that the day couldn’t have started any better. They had planned to construct a new car shed and intended to jointly operate the family farm. The coroner revealed that Colm Donnelly experienced cardiac arrest after the car compressed his upper torso, causing lack of oxygen and thereby a severe hypoxic brain injury. His death was pronounced five days post the accident.
In discussing his son, Mr Donnelly described him as a splendid young man, diligent and passionate about rugby. Despite showing little interest in academics, he was well-loved within his school fraternity.
After the undisclosed demise of Mr Donnelly’s son, the family managed to amass over €57,000 via a tractor race, with €20,000 distributed to the Intensive Care Unit at St Vincent’s University Hospital in Dublin.
Gorey District Hospital was also a beneficiary of the funds, receiving an equal amount. The remaining money was evenly spread between Gorey Community School and Kilanerin National School, the institutions which Mr Donnelly attended.
The inquiry revealed that the young man’s generous organ donation saved four lives, a feat Coroner Dr Clare Keane termed as extraordinarily outstanding.
Expressing her utmost respect for the family’s fundraising efforts, Dr Keane said it was evident just how much they loved him, despite their struggle to deal with such a significant loss.