Tragic death at Hook has not led to charges
NO CRIMINAL charges will be brought over the tragic death of a 14-year-old girl during a scouting trip at Hook Head last year.
Aoife Winterlich from Walkinstown in Dublin 12 died after she was swept into the sea off Hook Head on a weekend scout outing.
She was rescued by the Irish Coast Guard but later died on December 11, 2015, at Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital in Crumlin in Dublin.
Gardai in New Ross investigated all aspects of the incident, examining photographs, maps, emergency rescue reports and CCTV footage in their preparation of a file for the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
The file was submitted to the DPP last August.
NO CRIMINAL charges will be brought over the tragic death of a 14-year-old girl during a scouting trip at Hook Head last year.
Aoife Winterlich from Walkinstown in Dublin 12 died after she was swept into the sea off Hook Head on a weekend scout outing.
She was rescued by the Irish Coast Guard but later died on December 11 2015 at Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital in Crumlin.
Gardai in New Ross investigated all aspects of the incident, examining photographs, maps, emergency rescue reports and CCTV footage in their preparation of a file for the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
The file was submitted to the DPP last August.
Superintendent John McDonald of New Ross Garda Station told Dublin Coroner’s Court last week that no prosecution was directed.
The full details of how the teenager’s death occurred will be heard at the court next year.
Aoife was a member of the 55 South Circular Road scout group in Dublin.
She was on a weekend scouting trip when the incident occurred around 2 p.m. on December 6, 2015.
Four young people were swept into the sea during a heavy swell in the aftermath of Storm Desmond.
Two of the four made it back to shore, while two were winched to safety by the Irish Coast Guard Waterford based helicopter.
Aoife Winterlich fell into the sea as rescuers attempted to bring her onboard the chopper.
She was immediately recovered from the sea and both teenagers were flown to hospital, arriving within 17 minutes of the initial call out.
An inquest into the death of Miss Winterlich opened at Dublin Coroner’s Court earlier this year.
Witnesses to appear at the inquest next year may include her scout peers and leaders, members of the Irish Coast Guard involved in the rescue at Hook Head, ambulance personnel, paramedics, medical staff and investigating Gardai.
Coroner Dr Myra Cullinane will have the option to examine maps, photograps, reports and CCTV footage as part of the inquiry. The coroner adjourned the inquest for full hearing next March.