Inquest to take place in January over five years after death of Cork mother at CUMH

Geraldine Yankeu had a history of high blood pressure and became unwell at home before being brought to hospital by ambulance in July 2021. File picture 

An inquest into the death of a woman who died 11 days after giving birth to a stillborn daughter at Cork University Maternity Hospital more than five years ago is to be held in January.

Geraldine Yankeu, aged 31, died in intensive care at the hospital on August 8, 2021. Her daughter, Mary, was stillborn following a Caesarean section carried out after no foetal heartbeat could be detected.

The Cameroonian woman, who lived in Cork with her partner Patrick Mbeng and their young son, had a history of high blood pressure and became unwell at home before being brought to hospital by ambulance on July 21, 2021.

After investigating the deaths, Cork City Coroner Philip Comyn initially concluded in 2022 that they were natural deaths and that no inquest was required.

That decision was challenged by Ms Yankeu's family, who argued that maternal deaths are subject to mandatory inquests under the Coroners (Amendment) Act 2019.

The family's opposition to Mr Comyn overseeing the case ultimately resulted in the Attorney General directing that the inquest be conducted by the coroner for Co Cork and South Cork, Frank O'Connell.

Mr O'Connell has now confirmed to the Irish Examiner that the inquest will be heard in January.

He said: “In September 2023 I was directed by the Attorney General to hold an inquest into the death of Geraldine Yankeu, in the circumstances which had occurred.

“In 2024 and again in 2025, I proposed a date for hearing of the inquest to the solicitor acting for Mrs Yankeu’s family.

“But he asked me to hold off as he wanted a particular counsel to represent the family at the inquest and the proposed dates did not suit. 

“Rather than list the case and deal with a formal adjournment application, I acceded to the request and we have yet to set a new date for this inquest, which I accept is long overdue for hearing.

“The responsibility for listing the case and getting it heard lies with me alone and it is my intention to hear this case in January next. “ 

Mr O'Connell added: “I will notify the hearing date to the family solicitor once I have confirmed the venue and date and organised the witnesses but I will, subject to availability of a courtroom, list it for hearing in Cork City in January coming.” 

The family, who are represented by Cork barrister Doirean O’Mahony, have expressed their continued distress at the delay in holding the inquest.

Ms Yankeu’s brother Romuauld Chainey said in a statement to the Irish Examiner that the delay continues to be “deeply distressing".

“Our family is seeking truth, accountability, and closure, and we will not stop remembering Geraldine and Mary,” he said.