Verdict returned at inquest of former Mayo nurse

A verdict of death from natural causes has been returned at an inquest into the death of an 84-year-old former nurse who was found dead in her home in Swinford last year.

Catherine Mary Patricia Browne, Woodview, Park Road, Swinford, was found deceased in her bath on May 9 last.

An inquest into the death of Ms. Browne – who formerly worked at Swinford District Hospital – was conducted in Ballina Courthouse by the Coroner for the District of Mayo, Dr. Eleanor Fitzgerald.

Dr. Fitzgerald read from an autopsy report compiled by Dr. Tamas Nemeth, consultant pathologist at Mayo University Hospital, that the cause of death was pulmonary embolism (blood clot) due to deep vein thrombosis.

Ischemic heart disease and atrial fibrillation were contributory factors to death, Dr. Nemeth outlined in his report.

In a deposition to gardaí which was read to the inquest by garda courts presenter Sergeant Sean McHale, Michael Horkan said he was visiting Swinford from the UK last May and left his mother’s house to visit his aunt but could not get in and found the doors were locked.

Mr. Horkan said he then went to his uncle Val’s house and together they entered the house and found that the heating was on and there was a noticeable smell.

Garda Shena Feehilly told the coroner that Ms. Browne was found deceased in her bath which was without water.

There was no evidence of foul play or the house being broken into, Garda Feehilly said.

In a deposition which was read to the inquest, Vincent Mulligan said that the last time he saw the deceased at her home was on May 6.

Returning a verdict of death from natural causes, Coroner Fitzgerald said death would have been very sudden and Ms. Browne, who lived alone, would not have time to call for help and would not have suffered.

Stating there was uncertainty about the date of death, the coroner speculated it might have occurred on May 7 (two days before the body was found).

Concluding the inquest hearing, the coroner noted that Ms. Browne had exited life in a quiet manner after enjoying a good career as a nurse.

Sergeant Sean McHale, on behalf of An Garda Síochána, joined the coroner in expressing sympathy with the family of the deceased.

* Published under the Courts Reporting Scheme.