Lives saved by organs of boy, 7, killed in crash

A MOTHER was taking her sick son to hospital when their car drove into the path of an articulated truck, killing them both, an inquest has heard.

Emma O’Keeffe, aged 26, died the following day and son Daniel, seven, died nine days later from their injuries following the accident on January 12.

Drogheda Coroner’s Court heard how the victims’ family decided to donate the young boy’s organs.

Among the recipients was a two-year-old boy who received his heart and is now doing well, the court heard yesterday.

His liver had gone to another boy and one of his kidneys was given to a mother who is doing very well. His pancreas and adrenal glands were also donated.

Mrs O’Keeffe from Nobber, Co. Meath, was taking Daniel to hospital on the advice of their GP after the boy complained of feeling ill.

The inquest heard their car had crossed onto the wrong side of the road between Nobber and Navan and into the path of a lorry.

Collision investigator Thomas Brennan said camera footage from the lorry showed how in less than two seconds the car had crossed to the lorry’s side of the road. The accident happened on a straight stretch of road just after a gentle bend.

Garda Brennan said it appeared the car maintained a straight line and did not attempt to turn left or right.

He said ‘a brief lapse in concentration’ by Mrs O’Keeffe was the cause of the collision.

She died the following day in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda from multiple injuries.

Her son had died nine days later at Dublin’s Temple Street Children’s Hospital from severe head injuries. Coroner Ronan Maguire recorded verdicts of accidental death, saying it was an appalling tragedy .