Teenage Daughter Recounts Tragic Night of Father's Death

The teenage daughter of a man killed by her mother described growing up in a hostile environment filled with constant fighting. Eliska ‘Ellie’ Ryan shared her victim impact statement at the sentencing hearing of her mother, Olesja Hertova, who admitted to manslaughter. James ‘Shey’ Ryan died after being pushed by Hertova in August 2024. Ellie, aged 16, spoke about the fear and unpredictability in their home, where she often had to intervene in her parents' fights. She cherished her father as a source of safety and comfort.

Ellie recounted the tragic night of her father's death, highlighting her mother's unpredictable behavior when intoxicated. The court heard that Mr. Ryan suffered fatal injuries from the fall after an argument with Hertova. Despite pre-existing health conditions, his death was attributed to blunt force trauma and a fall. CCTV footage showed the moment of the incident, leading to Hertova's arrest and subsequent custody.

Ellie expressed her ongoing trauma, panic attacks, and nightmares following the loss of her father. She described the heartbreaking scene as her father slipped away in front of her. The court was moved by her emotional statement, while Hertova, showing deep remorse, sobbed throughout the proceedings.

According to the source: Irish Examiner.