Widow settles High Court case over musician’s death and calls for mental health overhaul

Caroline Kane says her family was let down after her husband died a day after hospital discharge.

Caroline Kane pictured outside the Four Courts holding her a photograph of her deceased husband Gareth Kane. Picture: Collins Court

A woman whose husband died by suicide the day after he was discharged from a mental health unit at St Vincent’s University Hospital in Dublin has called for an overhaul of mental health services.

Caroline Kane’s husband, musician Gareth Kane (39), died on October 9, 2020, during the covid-19 pandemic.

Ms Kane spoke out after settling a High Court action against the HSE and St Vincent’s Healthcare Group over her husband’s death. The settlement was reached without an admission of liability.

A father of three, Gareth (Gar) Kane, from Dundrum, Dublin, was a well-known musician who, before his death, was a bass player for musician and songwriter David Keenan.

In the High Court on Wednesday, counsel for the Kane family, Jeremy Maher SC, with William Reidy BL, instructed by Cian O’Carroll Solicitors, told the court it was their case that alleged failings in care caused the death of Mr Kane, whom he described as an exceptionally talented musician.

Mr Kane, he said, had been discharged from St Vincent’s University Hospital on October 8, 2020, and was found dead at home the following day.

Counsel said the focus of the case was that Mr Kane’s death should never have occurred.

The settlement with the HSE and St Vincent’s Healthcare Group, reached after mediation, was made without an admission of liability.

Outside court, Caroline Kane said her husband experienced a depressive episode during the covid-19 pandemic and wanted to get better.

“We need to overhaul the mental health services in this country. I feel 100% let down . The worst part for me is my kids are left without their father, ’ she said.

She added: ”The government has to see there needs to be an overhaul of the mental health services in this country.“ 

Caroline Kane, of Dundrum, Dublin, had sued the HSE and St Vincent’s Healthcare Group, of Elm Park, Dublin, over the death of her husband.

It was claimed that Mr Kane had been transferred to the Elm Mount unit at St Vincent’s University Hospital on September 1, 2020, and discharged some days later.

He subsequently had telephone consultations and, on September 30, 2020, was again admitted to the Elm Mount unit, where he remained until he was discharged on October 8, 2020.

In the proceedings, it was claimed that Mr Kane had allegedly been inappropriately discharged from the hospital unit on September 4, 2020, and again on October 8, 2020.

It was claimed there was an alleged failure to provide an adequate safety plan following the September discharge.

It was further claimed there was an alleged failure to provide appropriate care or a treatment plan following his discharge on October 8, 2020.

It was also contended that the care provided to Mr Kane allegedly fell below the appropriate standard of care.

It was further contended that there was an alleged failure to retain Mr Kane as an inpatient until such time as his depression had been treated.

All of the claims were denied.

Noting the settlement and approving the division of the statutory mental distress payment of €35,000, Mr Justice Paul Coffey conveyed his deepest sympathy to Caroline Kane and the wider family.