Shaun McGuckin dies in fatal Balbriggan, Co Dublin overdose

Shaun McGuckin dies in fatal Balbriggan, Co Dublin overdose

Fatal Balbriggan, Co Dublin overdose death of Shaun McGuckin – Obituary

Shaun McGuckin, aged 46, passed away after a drug overdose at his home on Pinewood Green Road in Balbriggan, County Dublin, less than a month following the death of his wife, Róisín McGuckin. His body was discovered on April 12, 2024, by his mother, who found him unresponsive on a sofa shortly before noon.

An inquest heard that Mr. McGuckin had been devastated by the sudden passing of his wife, whom he found lifeless in their bed on March 14. The couple, together for 16 years, had one child. His sister-in-law described him as heartbroken and said he had been receiving grief counseling in the days leading up to his death.

His mother recalled that Shaun had not slept for weeks and had taken sleeping tablets the night before he died. On the morning of his death, she tried to wake him to answer the door but was unable to rouse him. She then enlisted the help of a maintenance worker and a neighbor to perform CPR before paramedics arrived.

The coroner was informed that Mr. McGuckin had a history of drug use and was receiving methadone treatment. Just two days earlier, he had visited his GP seeking help for a low mood. A postmortem revealed the presence of methadone, pregabalin, and traces of cocaine, as well as chronic respiratory conditions. His death was attributed to methadone toxicity and complications from chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

The inquest also examined the circumstances of Róisín McGuckin’s death. Shaun had discovered her unconscious on March 14 and attempted CPR before calling emergency services. A postmortem revealed high levels of methadone and benzodiazepines, which likely caused fatal respiratory depression. She had a medical history including seizures potentially linked to missed medication.

Coroner Dr. Clare Keane ruled both deaths as misadventures, emphasizing the emotional toll of Róisín’s death on her husband. She extended her sympathies to their grieving loved ones.