A Family's Unimaginable Loss
The community of Rathnew in County Wicklow is in mourning following the tragic death of an eight-year-old boy. Matthew Breen passed away after experiencing severe complications in the days after he broke his arm in an accident at school.
The Timeline of a Tragedy
The incident began on November 6, when Matthew suffered a double fracture to his arm while at school. He was taken to hospital, discharged the same day, and scheduled for surgery on November 7.
His family reported that he seemed 'completely fine' aside from the injury on the day of the accident. However, his condition deteriorated rapidly after he was brought to Crumlin Children’s Hospital for his scheduled operation.
A relative stated that Matthew was 'given tablets and steroids' but began 'vomiting all day'. He later developed significant 'trouble with his breathing'. After further treatment, the hospital discharged him and made an appointment for him to see a lung specialist at Tallaght hospital on November 11.
Final Days and a Community in Mourning
Tragically, on the evening of November 10, Matthew's breathing worsened and eventually stopped. His family called an ambulance, and paramedics managed to resuscitate him. He was rushed back to Crumlin Children’s Hospital, where he was placed in an induced coma. Matthew died a week later.
In a heartfelt tribute, his family described Matthew, the eldest of five siblings, as 'the most loving little boy' who was 'loved by all who knew him'. A GoFundMe page has been created to provide financial support to his grieving family during this devastating time.
