Former scout leader due to face trial on rape charges died by suicide, inquest rules

The inquest heard the scene of the crash was 'a location of significance' to Neville Kearns, as it was outside an apartment complex which was previously the site of a former scout den

Coroner Clare Keane returned a verdict of death by suicide at an inquest into the death of Mr Kearns at Dublin District Coroner’s Court on Tuesday, after hearing evidence that the collision was due to the result of 'driver input'. 

A verdict of suicide has been recorded into the death of a former scout leader who was killed in a crash in South Dublin in 2024, a day before he was due to stand trial on multiple charges of raping and sexually assaulting young boys several decades ago.

Neville Kearns, 69, of Edenvale Apartments, Grange Rd, Rathfarnham, suffered fatal injuries when the Toyota Hiace van he was driving crashed into a tree on Churchtown Rd Upper, Dundrum, at around 6.15am on April 7, 2024.