Teenager’s death linked to chip pan smoke

A teenager has died as a result of suspected smoke inhalation caused by a chip pan.

The 17-year-old, named locally as Evan Kidney, was found in a critical condition on the floor of the family home in Elmvale in the Cork suburb of Wilton by a relative just after 3.10pm yesterday.

Both a HSE ambulance carrying paramedics and a unit of the Cork City Fire Brigade cardiac response team arrived at the house simultaneously, where they found a family member — believed to be Evan’s brother — performing CPR.

The medics took over but their attempts to revive the 17-year-old were unsuccessful. He was declared dead at the scene a short time later.

Gardaí will now investigate the circumstances of the tragic death, with attention focussing on a chip pan in the kitchen.

While there was no evidence of a blaze at the property, located on the southside of Cork City near Sarsfield Rd, it is understood there was evidence of suspected smoke damage in one corner of the kitchen.

Garda forensic teams will now look at the possibility that, with the windows and doors closed, Evan may have been overcome by fumes from the lit chip pan.

It is understood the teenager, who played soccer for local club Greenwood FC, was alone in the house at the time of the incident and a family member found him and immediately raised at the alarm at 3.11pm.

It is understood that emergency personnel rushed to the scene in the belief they were responding to a cardiac arrest. It was only when they arrived at the house it became apparent there had been a fire incident.

One possibility that will be investigated is that the youth may have fallen asleep in the kitchen while the chip pan was on.

Gardaí sealed off the house last night for a full forensic examination while Evan’s body remained at the scene for several hours before it was removed to CUH where an autopsy is due to take place this morning.

His mother Siobhan was being consoled by relatives outside the family home yesterday afternoon.

A neighbour described the Kidney family as being quiet, respectable people.

“There are three boys there to the best of my knowledge. I think they are from about 17 to 21. Good lads with lots of friends.”