A teenager who died at a festival had morphine and ecstasy in his system, Cork Coroner’s Court has heard.
Jack Downey, 19, of Ard Caoin in Clonmel, Co Tipperary suffered organ failure with hyperthermia at the Indiependence music festival.
He passed away on August 5, 2019 at Cork University Hospital (CUH) having been rushed there three days earlier.
Assistant State Pathologist Dr Margaret Bolster carried out a postmortem on the teenager.
She said Jack died of organ failure with hyperthermia following the ingestion of ecstasy and morphine. A contributory factor was aspiration pneumonia.
The garda investigation is ongoing. Coroner Philip Comyn extended his sympathy to the family following their tragic loss. The inquest was adjourned for mention until August 20.
Jack, who had family ties in Glengarriff, Co Cork is survived by his parents Elaine and Johnny.
Such was his popularity that his removal and funeral mass in Clonmel was attended by thousands of people. He laid in repose at Clonmel Óg Hurling & Football Club.
Johnny Downey, father of the late Jack, said he wasn’t one for “fancy words.”
He recalled the birth of his only child telling mourners that Jack was 11lbs when he was born and that he was “a big man even then”.
Mr Downey urged Jack’s friends and loved ones to watch out for each other.
“There is no blame. He will be missed - his friends are now to look after each other and not forget.”
“I used to sit back and just admire him - he was a man with a presence. A cheeky little smile.”
“He was a fabulous boy - and I am proud to call him my son.”
Elaine Downey spoke of her fond memories of her son who was a goalie with Clonmel Óg. She recalled the full of life teenager who would take over the kitchen table repairing his hurleys. Mourners were asked to donate to the ICU at CUH in lieu of flowers.
Jack had completed first year in Cork Institute of Technology and was due back to college the following month. Counselling services were made available to impacted students.
Elaine Downey walked in the Tipperary Ladies mini marathon last September in order to raise funds for the ICU unit where her son died.
