Family to repatriate body of Irish man

The family of Jason Corbett, the Limerick man who died in what police describe as a “domestic disturbance” in his home in the US, said last night they have now decided to repatriate his body as soon as possible.

They initially planned to keep his remains at a funeral home in North Carolina to await the outcome of court proceedings involving the custody of his two children.

His brother-in-law, David Lynch, said last night: “We have been at the undertakers and we are finalising the arrangements to fly Jason’s body home, rather than wait until the custody court proceedings are over.”

The custody hearing involving Jason Corbett’s two Limerick-born children — Sarah, 10, and Jack, 8, — is due to be heard at 9am Friday at Davison County Courthouse in North Carolina.

Molly Martins, 32, married Jason Corbett, 39, after his first wife, Mags, died suddenly from an asthma attack in 2007. Ms Martins, who is under investigation regarding the circumstances of his death, is now seeking guardianship of the two children.

Mr Corbett was found with a fatal injury at the home he shared with Ms Martins and the children at Panther Creek Court in Wallburg, North Carolina, on Sunday, August 2. He died from a blunt instrument wound to the head. Ms Martins was the only person questioned by police in connection with a ‘domestic disturbance’ which preceded his death.

Mr Lynch’s wife, Treacy, a sister of Jason, was named as the children’s guardian in his will. However, since his death, Ms Martins has taken the children to another residence and is seeking a court order to keep custody of them in the US. The children are Irish citizens with Irish passports and their names remain on Mr Corbett’s visa papers. His family says he refused requests by Ms Martins to make them US citizens.

Mr Lynch praised the huge support they were getting from the people of Limerick: “This [support] has been great during these very difficult days as we try and cope with not being able to grieve for Jason with what is going on with the custody battle. We are also very grateful to the sheriff’s department here in Davison County for their professionalism and integrity and the courteous way they are dealing with us.”

Meanwhile, the children’s grandmother has spoken of her heartache over what is happening to the children.

Marian Fizpatrick, who lives in Pallaskenry. Co Limerick, is mother of Mags, Mr Corbett’s first wife.

Ms Fitzpatrick yesterday recalled that the last time she met her grandchildren was when they paid a surprise visit home last Christmas: “What is happening now has brought back Margaret’s sudden death to us again,” she said.

“Jason brought the kids home for Christmas and it was a surprise and I didn’t know they were coming. I just answered the door and they were there. We had the best Christmas, it was like winning the Lotto. [Jason] was a great dad and he idolised his kids and was the kindest husband to my daughter Margaret.”