Burial to take place of second man who died after party
John Grey, 23, of Ballybeg Square in Waterford, fell into a coma in the early hours of Sunday, November 25, and was kept on a life support machine for 13 days.
His heartbroken family made the decision to switch off the machine on Saturday morning and he died at about noon.
He leaves behind devastated parents Betty Grey and Martin Grey, as well as his sister Michelle and brothers Michael and Mark.
In a statement released later in the day, the Health Service Executive confirmed the “sad news” the 23-year-old had passed away. “The HSE wishes to extend its sympathies to the family of the late John Grey.”
His mother Betty said last week that her son had fluid on the brain and, the longer he was in a coma without responding to treatment, the less likely he was to make any sort of recovery.
Funeral arrangements have yet to be made, although John was remembered in prayer at masses yesterday in Ballybeg.
Another man who attended the house party in Ballybeg Square, 21-year-old Kevin Doyle, died on Tuesday last and was buried in Ballygunner cemetery on Thursday afternoon after his funeral Mass.
The 21st birthday of John Grey’s brother, Mark, was being celebrated on the night of the party.
A group of up to 80 revellers attended a popular night spot in Waterford city, before about 30 of them returned to the Grey house to continue the celebrations.
A total of 15 people who were at the party were treated at Waterford Regional Hospital after gardaí and the HSE appealed to those present to seek medical treatment if suffering from any unusual symptoms.
Both John and Kevin were in a coma by the time they reached the hospital, while another man, Dean Brasil, was also described as being “critical” initially, before making a good recovery and being discharged some days later.
A large quantity of drugs was reported to have been circulating at the party on November 25, with the house subject to a detailed search by gardaí for four days. A number of bags of drugs, including cocaine and amphetamines, were taken away for analysis.
Ballybeg resident and city councillor Tom Murphy said the community was “still in shock” as a result of the events of two weeks ago, and particularly since the deaths of Kevin and John.
“It’s a warning for any kids in the city, or anywhere, that these things happen,” he said yesterday.
“The Doyle family said a few words about the dangers of drugs, and it was fantastic to do that. The whole community is shocked and disheartened.”
Gardaí in Waterford city are continuing their investigation into the incidents at Ballybeg on November 25. Anyone with information is asked to contact the station at 051-305300.
