79-Year-Old Man with Dementia Chokes to Death at University Hospital Limerick

79-Year-Old Man with Dementia Chokes to Death at University Hospital Limerick

A 79-year-old man with dementia tragically choked to death after food became lodged in his larynx at University Hospital Limerick (UHL), an inquest has revealed.

The inquest, held at the Coroner’s Court in Kilmallock, Co. Limerick, determined that Liam Geehan died of asphyxiation, secondary to choking, with a background of various comorbidities. The inquest also heard that while there was no solid food present in Liam’s stomach, a postmortem conducted at UHL confirmed that his larynx had been obstructed by food, leading to his tragic death.

Liam, a long-time patient at Killeline Nursing Home in Newcastle West, had been transferred to UHL for medical treatment prior to the incident. His brother, John Geehan, shared that Liam had previously left his home after experiencing several robberies, which had contributed to his decision to move into the nursing home for care.

The coroner’s findings pointed to the unfortunate circumstances that led to Liam’s death, and his family, who fondly remembered him as a loving and well-regarded member of the community, is left to grieve this tragic loss.

Liam Geehan’s passing highlights the vulnerability of elderly individuals, particularly those with dementia, and the importance of ensuring their safety and care during hospital stays.