Overview of the case
A devastating inquest has heard how a 14-year-old girl from County Clare died after inhaling the contents of an aerosol deodorant. Sarah Mescall, a second-year student from Cloongowna, Kilnamona, passed away in September 2023 following a sequence of events at home, hospital transfers, and a fatal lack of oxygen to the brain. The inquest, held at the Dublin District Coroner’s Court, emphasized the serious health risks associated with inhaling volatile substances such as those found in everyday deodorants.
What happened on the day
Sarah’s mother, Deirdre Mescall, collected her from school on September 20, 2023. After dinner, Sarah spent time on her phone, as many teenagers do, and later went to her bedroom. Within hours, she began displaying alarming symptoms, including swaying and looking unwell. Mrs. Mescall reported that Sarah admitted to inhaling the contents of a female aerosol deodorant bought earlier that day. Emergency services were contacted, and Sarah was treated at hospital, moving between University Hospital Limerick and Children’s Health Ireland in Dublin’s Temple Street, before being relocated to CHI Crumlin for specialized care.
Medical findings and expert evidence
According to the pathologist, the postmortem indicated irreversible brain damage caused by a lack of oxygen, or hypoxia, to the brain, compounded by cardiac complications that followed the inhalation incident. A consultant in emergency medicine noted the inhalation of volatile substances could trigger heart and brain injuries, reinforcing the decision to transfer Sarah for advanced cardiac care. While Sarah’s heart condition showed some improvement, the brain injury proved fatal in the long term.
Context and risk factors
The inquest touched on broader concerns about adolescent experimentation with volatile substances. Although online challenges and social media buzz have been discussed in relation to similar cases, the coroner did not attribute Sarah’s death to any online content. The coroner acknowledged that teenagers often perceive risk differently from adults and that the act may have been an unintended consequence of youth experimentation.
Verdict and impact
Coroner Cróna Gallagher returned a verdict of death by misadventure, noting that Sarah’s death resulted from an unintended action with inherent risk. In offering her condolences to the family, the coroner commended the parents for their decision to donate Sarah’s organs to help other children, a gesture they described as a tribute to her generosity and spirit.
Family and community response
The courtroom heard that the Mescall family faced unimaginable distress, with support from neighbors who assisted during the emergency. The case underscores the need for heightened awareness around household products containing volatile substances and the potential for swift, severe health consequences from seemingly minor actions. The family’s experience highlights the importance of education, early intervention, and accessible support for teens and parents alike.
What families can learn
Key takeaways include recognizing the signs of inhalant exposure, seeking immediate medical attention, and understanding that even common household products can pose serious risks. Health authorities stress that any sudden change in a child’s condition after exposure warrants rapid response; when in doubt, contact emergency services. Communities are urged to discuss the hazards of inhalants openly with young people to reduce harm and prevent similar tragedies.
Support resources
If you or someone you know is affected by this issue, confidential help is available. Samaritans offers 24/7 support at 116 123 or jo@samaritans.org. The national Bereavement Support Line (1800-80 70 77) and mental health resources at mentalhealthireland.ie provide additional assistance.
