DPP to be sent file on girl’s death in choking incident
Lauren, 2, suffered brain injuries
A FILE is being prepared by gardai for the DPP over the death of a young girl from a choking incident last year, an inquest has heard.
Lauren Boland from Delgany, Co Wicklow, died at Children’s Health Ireland at Crumlin on January 19, 2023, in the arms of her parents.
The two-year-old passed away a day after being brought to the hospital by ambulance following “a tragic choking event”.
At a sitting of Dublin District Coroner’s Court yesterday, Inspector Niall Kennedy applied for an adjournment on the basis that criminal proceedings are being considered in the case.
Insp Kennedy told coroner Clare Keane a file in relation to the death was being prepared for the DPP.
Lauren’s parents, Matt and Lisa Boland, did not attend the hearing but Insp Kennedy said they were aware the inquest was to be opened and adjourned.
Garda Mark Mcdonnell gave evidence of being contacted by staff at CHI Crumlin about the girl’s death on January 19, 2023 in relation to what clinical nurse manager, Aoife Larkin, told him was “a tragic choking event”.
Dr Keane said a postmortem showed the little girl had died as a result of brain injuries caused by a lack of oxygen which had resulted from a “choking episode”. The coroner granted the application for an adjournment of the inquest and listed the case for a further mention for an update on the progress of the Garda investigation in July.
Following her death, Lauren’s parents said they and her older brother, Jack, would remember “our beautiful little ray of sunshine who lit up every room with her infectious smile and laugh, her love of fun and people and who danced her way through life”.
A Gofundme page established by Lauren’s family in appreciation of the work by first responders and staff at CHI Crumlin has raised almost €35,000.
A beautiful little ray of sunshine who lit up every room BOLAND FAMILY PAY TRIBUTE TO TOT LAUREN