Husband Heartbroken After Inquest Reveals Treatment Took the Love of His Life Away
Leona Cusack, a beloved figure, has been remembered fondly by those who knew her after an inquest into her tragic death concluded. The 33-year-old passed away on February 18, 2024, at University Hospital Limerick (UHL). Her husband, Conor Cusack, expressed his love for her, stating she was the “love of my life.”
Inquest Findings and Heartbreaking Circumstances
The inquest, led by coroner John McNamara, delivered a narrative verdict. It revealed that there was no evidence of medical misadventure involved in her death. The cause was identified as cardiac respiratory failure due to neutrophilic myocarditis, a rare heart condition often stemming from severe bacterial or fungal infections.
Timeline of Events
Leona, from Ballycasey in County Clare, sought medical attention at University Maternity Hospital Limerick on February 15 due to concerns of a miscarriage. She was five weeks pregnant following an IVF procedure. Despite returning on February 16, she was not admitted, leading to conflicting testimonies about her treatment. On February 17, her condition worsened, prompting an urgent transfer to UHL.
- February 15: First visit to University Maternity Hospital Limerick.
- February 16: Returned but not admitted.
- February 17: Transferred to UHL due to severe illness.
- February 18: Passed away despite efforts to save her life.
Medical Response and Concerns
At UHL, concerns were raised about potential sepsis. However, she did not receive the necessary antibiotics in a timely manner, receiving them much later in the day. Leona was admitted to the coronary care unit and briefly to the intensive care unit before her death in theatre.
Coronary care physician Cormac O’Connor later apologized to the family for insufficient communication during the crisis. The coroner noted this case as a “sad and tragic” one, acknowledging the heartbreaking situation for Leona’s family and friends.
Family’s Response and Future Actions
Conor Cusack, visibly upset, expressed his feelings regarding the loss, stating, “I feel like the treatment she got has taken the love of my life away from me.” Leona’s parents, Eamonn and Clare Kirwan, along with her sisters Sarah and Rachael, echoed similar sentiments during the inquest.
The family’s solicitor, Damien Tansey SC, confirmed that civil proceedings would follow. He emphasized the family’s determination to honor Leona’s memory and seek justice for their loss.
Ongoing Support and Acknowledgments
Coroner John McNamara noted the “nightmare scenario” faced by the Cusack family. Despite the findings, he recognized the humanity shown by healthcare professionals during the inquest. A breach of the national sepsis care protocol was acknowledged, but the source of Ms. Cusack’s infection remains unidentified.
As the inquest concluded, it marked just the beginning of a long journey of healing for Conor and Leona’s family, who continue to navigate this heartbreaking loss together.
