Family of chef killed in Cobh thank 'heroic' people who helped him

Gardaí have upgraded their investigation to a murder probe

Ian Baitson died four days after suffering severe slash wounds when he was attacked with a sword in Cobh.

The family of Ian Baitson has thanked two people who went to his aid after he was attacked with a sword in Cobh a week ago.

Mr Baitson, 32, died at Cork University Hospital (CUH) on Tuesday, four days after suffering severe slash wounds when he was attacked with a sword in the car park of Eurospar on Newtown Rd in Cobh shortly before 9pm on Friday, March 15.

The chef suffered severe blood loss in the attack and was rushed to CUH where his condition remained critical throughout the weekend.

In a death notice for Mr Baitson on rip.ie on Friday, his family said: "We, Ian’s family wish to thank our extended family and friends for their unwavering help and support throughout this hard time, Arian and Liam whose heroic efforts kept Ian with us so we were able to say our goodbyes."

The family also hailed the actions of friends of the father of two, including those "who travelled home from abroad to say their last goodbyes".

They have thanked the staff of the ICU ward, the paramedics, gardaí, surgeons, and nursing staff "who helped prepare us for the devastating loss of a beautiful and wonderful person".

Funeral arrangements for Mr Baitson have not yet been finalised.

It is understood that Mr Baitson was attacked after approaching a man in a car, who fled the scene immediately after the attack.

An autopsy was carried out and prompted gardaí to upgrade their investigation to a murder probe.

No arrests have been made in the case. 

Gardaí have urged witnesses to the incident in the car park to come forward. Gardaí are also asking that anyone who was travelling along Newtown Rd between 8.45pm and 9.15pm on Friday, March 15, and who may have footage, including from dash cams, to contact them.

Cobh gardaí can be contacted on 021 4908530.