Dad 'beaten to death by patient' in hospital as cops set to launch murder probe
An elderly farmer was beaten to death by another patient in hospital, as Irish police say they are set to launch a murder investigation.
Police say that the scene is being "preserved for forensic and technical examination" following the death of an 89-year-old patient.
They have also confirmed that they are not looking for anyone else in relation to the case, report Irish Mirror.
Friends and family have now paid tribute to Matthew Healy, a retired farmer from Berrings, Munster, Ireland, who was discovered dead in a ward at Mercy Hospital, Cork, in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Police suspect that he was beaten to death by another patient in the same hospital.
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It is understood the patients involved were being treated in the same ward of Mercy University Hospital in Cork (Google Streetview)Tragically, Mr. Healy, a dad-of-four, had only recently lost his wife Delia, who died on January 2; while one of his daughters died a number of years ago.
Following the attack, a suspect in his 30s was arrested at the scene around 5:30am and taken to Bridewell Garda [police] Station in Cork, which was confirmed by police in a statement.
A police spokesperson said: "The scene is currently preserved for forensic and technical examination. An incident room has been established at the Bridewell Garda [police] Station and the services of the State Pathologist have been requested."
It is understood that officers do not believe there was any prior connection between the victim and the attacker.
A motive for the attack has not been established by the cops yet either.
Meanwhile, police are understood to be waiting for the results of the post-mortem examination but are set to launch a murder probe over Mr Healy’s shocking death.
Police have added that the family of the deceased have been notified and are being assisted by a family liaison officer.
The spokesperson added: “Investigating gardaí are not currently seeking anyone else in relation to this incident."
A spokesperson for the Health and Safety Executive said it could not comment on the matter as there is a “live garda investigation."
However, in its own statement, the Mercy University Hospital in Cork said that management and staff were "saddened and shocked at the tragic and unexpected death of an elderly patient in an incident at the hospital."
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Mr Healy was well known within the community of Berrings, as they have been left devastated over his shocking death.
Matthew Healy died at a Cork hospital over the weekend, after an apparent assault by another patient (PA)Local councilor Michael Looney also described Mr. Healy as a “gentleman,” who was well-known and loved in the community.
Cllr looney said: “He was just a thorough, thorough gentleman. He was respected both inside and outside of the community.
“He certainly didn’t deserve what he got.
“Certainly whatever happened in there he wouldn’t have been the instigator of it, I can tell you that anyway.”
The councillor added that the deceased man had only recently lost his wife, saying: “He lost his wife about three weeks ago. It’s a very sad occasion.
“He was a highly respected gentleman and we here in Berrings are devastated really. In a hospital, you think you’re in the safest place in the world.
“You certainly wouldn’t expect that to happen in a hospital."
Deirdre Forde, the Lord Mayor of Cork, said the entire county will be in shock over the news, saying: “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 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.”
A hospital spokesperson expressed their deepest condolences to the man's family, relatives, and friends.
The spokesperson added that counselling services were being provided to patients and staff affected by the incident.
A spokesperson for the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation said they were not commenting on the incident, but the organisation had been in contact with the hospital and will provide support to any members affected by the situation.
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