The inquest into the death of a Westmeath minor inter-county footballer, has been adjourned at Mullingar Coroner’s Court.
Darren Price, Petitswood, Mullingar was just 18 when he lost his life at Killavally, Tyrrellspass after his car was in collision with a truck almost six years ago.
Darren, who was also an international basketball talent, was a first year engineering student on his way to college in AIT when the incident happened.
Retired Athlone Garda Mary O’Connor described arriving on the scene on the morning of March 30, 2006, and seeing Darren’s name printed on the books that spilled from his sportsbag on the roadway, the N6.
Westmeath Coroner’s Court on Wednesday also heard medical evidence of the “very extensive” internal and external injuries Darren received.
There was no alcohol and no drugs in his system, and he could not have survived his injuries, Dr Kevin Cunnane told the court.
Darren would have been immediately unconscious and would not have suffered, the retired consultant pathologist said in answer to questions put to him by the family’s barrister.
Questioned by Mr Brendan Quinn, BL, Dr Cunnane said he could not say if Darren’s injuries indicated that the collision had been head-on, but noted that most of his injuries were to the front and right hand side of his body.
He described the cause of death as due to shock and haemorrhage due to multiple injuries consistent with involvement in a road traffic accident.
Darren’s mother Donna, a well-known road safety advocate was present with other members of the Price family.
State solicitor Peter Jones said he is awaiting directions relating to Darren’s death after making further submissions to the DPP’s offices on behalf of the family, and expects a final decision soon.
The inquest will continue in March.
