A tragic incident has deeply affected Dublin after 12-year-old Oisín Reddin was found dead from asphyxiation, according to an inquest. His father, 48-year-old Wayne O’Reilly, was also discovered dead and is suspected to have taken his own life.
The bodies were found at two separate locations. Oisín’s body was located in a bedroom on Lindisfarne Grove in Clondalkin, while his father’s body was found earlier on Cherry Orchard Drive in Ballyfermot. Wayne O’Reilly had a history of mental health struggles and had previously threatened harm to himself and his son, although no charges were ever filed.
Oisín’s mother, Pamela Reddin, formally identified her son at Dublin City Mortuary the day after the discovery. She was accompanied by Garda Lisa Sexton and Oisín’s grandmother. Coroner Clare Keane confirmed that the cause of death was due to external obstruction of the airway and expressed her condolences, stating, “I am so sorry for your loss.”
The inquest into the deaths has been adjourned until September 29 as Gardaí continue their investigation into the full circumstances surrounding the tragedy. Inspector Paul Mayock requested more time to review the postmortem report and Garda evidence.
Oisín was known to Tusla, Ireland’s Child and Family Agency, but was not in state care at the time. In October of the previous year, both Oisín and his father went missing, prompting a Garda alert. They were found safe two days later in a hotel in Limerick. Tusla had permitted Oisín to live under a safety plan that was supervised by his father and extended family members.
The National Review Panel is now conducting an independent investigation into the case to evaluate the welfare measures in place and to identify lessons that can be learned from this tragedy.
Wayne O’Reilly had multiple arrests under the Mental Health Act and had reportedly sent threatening messages about harming himself and Oisín. Despite these warnings, no legal action was taken, and Oisín continued to live with his father.
This heartbreaking case highlights the challenges faced when mental health crises impact vulnerable children. Authorities have pledged to carry out a thorough investigation and a comprehensive review of child welfare procedures.
Originally published by UKNIP.
