Tragic Accident: Boy Dies After Choking on Sausage at Home

A young boy named Robert Power-O'Meara from Limerick tragically suffered fatal brain damage after choking on a cocktail sausage at his home in August 2022. He passed away at Children's Health Ireland in Temple Street. His mother, Melissa Power, shared that the incident occurred while she was in the kitchen with Robert. Despite efforts to clear the blockage, the sausage did not come up. Robert was taken to the hospital but unfortunately did not survive. Medical records revealed concerns about his tonsils and possible sleep apnoea. The cause of death was determined to be a lack of oxygen and blood to the brain, along with brain herniation and brain stem inflammation.

The pathologist noted the presence of a piece of sausage in the boy's throat during the autopsy, suggesting it may have come up from his stomach. While sausages are known to pose a choking hazard, the pathologist emphasized that anyone can choke on solid, dense foods. The coroner returned a verdict of accidental death, expressing condolences to the family. Despite the tragedy, Robert's kidneys were donated to help other children.