SNORKELLER’S DEATH
A 41-year-old father of one died from Sudden Adult Death Syndrome (SADS) while out snorkelling and spear fishing at Streedagh Point last June.
Vitaliy Pecheroha, of The Oaks, Woodtown Lodge, Sligo, was originally thought to have drowned until medical evidence heard at his inquest at Sligo Coroner’s Court yesterday (Monday) revealed he did not drown but died as a result of a heart attack brought on by SADS.
Sergeant Philip Maree told the court that Mr Pecheroha had been snorkelling with his friend Mr Konrad Mancawicz on 12 th June 2017 .
He read out a deposition from Mr Mancawicz describing the events of that day.
They arrived at Streedagh around 6pm. The deceased smoked and drank four cans of beer and his friend had two beers while they were getting changed.
They entered the water around 8pm with one going left and the other going in a right direction to avoid an accident with the spear guns.
“Vitaliy was happy and in good form when we went into the water,” said Mr Mancawicz. About an hour and a half later, the 36-year-old decided to get out of the water - he had not seen the deceased during that time.
He found his friend lying on the seabed only a few metres from the shore “with no signs of life.”
The witness said he dragged him out of the water and waved to two nearby fishermen for help.
Fishermen Paul McTiernan and Keith Brehony ran over to where the victim was lying on the rocks and called the Coastguard who tasked the Rescue Helicopter to the scene.
“He was lying on a slanted rock with his head towards the sea. He was bare chested and his flippers were still on. There was no movement from him, he was lying still,” said Mr McTiernan.
“The other man was fairly distressed,” he said. He began CPR until the helicopter came overhead and hovered there.
The deceased was winched up and transferred to Sligo University Hospital.
He was pronounced dead on arrival by Dr Edward Herridge.
Dr Clive Kilgallen carried out the autopsy and referred his findings to Consultant Histopathologist Prof. Aurelie Fabre, at the Mater Hospital for further investigations.
Prof. Fabre’s expert opinion was that Mr Pecheroha had died from SADS and showed no evidence of drowning.
Dr Kilgallen advised Mr Pecheroha’s 1st degree relatives be tested for any genetic heart abnormalities as a result. He said he didn’t consider alcohol to be a contributing factor in his death.
Coroner Mr Eamon McGowan recorded a verdict of accidental death due to SADS and both he and Sgt Maree extended their sympathies to Mr Pecheroha’s family and friends present in court.