Coroner rules misadventure in teenager’s death after deodorant inhalation
The Dublin District Coroner’s Court has ruled that the death of 14-year-old Sarah Mescall was a misadventure — an accidental death resulting from the use of a substance in that way. The inquest examined the circumstances surrounding the girl’s collapse after inhaling an aerosol deodorant and her subsequent death in Crumlin Hospital, Dublin, on September 25, 2023.
The timeline in brief
Sarah, from Kilnamona in County Clare, had been described by family and friends as a happy and healthy teenager. On September 20, 2023, she was sent home from school in good spirits after a normal day. A short time later, her mother, who was preparing dinner, heard Sarah call down for advice about what to wear to the Ploughing Championships the following day.
According to statements read at the inquest, Sarah began to show concerning signs — swaying as if intoxicated — and initially denied taking anything. She later disclosed that she had inhaled deodorant, following which she collapsed. Her mother immediately began chest compressions, and neighbours and paramedics joined the effort as the family sought help.
The emergency response and medical journey
Two neighbours assisted before advanced paramedics arrived by helicopter. Sarah was flown first to Limerick University Hospital, with her parents following by car. Medical staff reported some spontaneous breathing at one point, which offered hope, and she was later transferred to Temple Street Children’s Hospital in Dublin and then to Crumlin Hospital. Over several days of testing at both hospitals, doctors confirmed that Sarah’s brain had been starved of oxygen due to the incident, and she was declared dead on September 25, 2023. In the wake of the tragedy, her family chose to donate her organs to save or improve the lives of others.
Statements from the family and the coroner’s verdict
During the inquest, the court heard from Sarah’s father, Joe Mescall, and her mother, Deirdre, who described the last week as a normal routine interrupted by a terrible accident. The coroner, Dr Cróna Gallagher, noted that there was no evidence Sarah had previously engaged in inhalant use and suggested the incident may have been the first time she had used deodorant in this manner. The coroner expressed empathy for the family and highlighted the need for heightened awareness about the dangers of inhalant abuse among young people.
Dr Gallagher formally recorded the verdict as misadventure, stating it as an accidental death resulting from the use of the substance in that way. She stressed that there was no intention or knowledge on Sarah’s part that the act could be fatal, and she underscored the unpredictable risks associated with inhalants.
What this means for families and communities
The inquest into Sarah Mescall’s death serves as a stark reminder of how quickly a seemingly harmless act can turn deadly. Aerosol deodorants and other inhalants can deprive the brain of oxygen, leading to irreversible brain damage or death within minutes. Health authorities frequently warn about the risks of inhalant use, especially among teenagers, who may experiment without understanding the consequences.
Public health messages emphasize safe alternatives to cope with stress or curiosity, the importance of open family dialogue, and seeking help if there are concerns about a young person’s experimentation with inhalants. The tragedy also highlights the role of schools, healthcare providers, and communities in identifying warning signs and offering support to youths at risk.
Final reflections
Sarah Mescall’s death is a painful reminder of the fragility of adolescence. While the verdict of misadventure acknowledges the accidental nature of the incident, it leaves a lasting impact on her family and those who knew her. As communities reflect on this case, the focus remains on prevention, education, and compassion for families affected by inhalant-related tragedies.
