Mayo delivery driver may have suffered blackout prior to death
Michael John Murphy died instantly after his van struck a tree on the N59 near Mulranny
A Mayo delivery driver may have suffered a blackout which may have caused his van to leave the N59 road near Mulranny before striking a tree resulting in his death.
The inquest into the death of Michael John Murphy late of Belmullet and Upper Drumindoo, Westport heard today that the DPD delivery driver died instantly after fracturing his spine after his delivery struck a tree at Claggan Mountain, approximately 2km outside Mulranny on February 6, 2025.
The 43-year-old father of two was travelling in the direction of Ballycroy when his van veered off the road and struck a tree. A thick branch came through the windscreen resulting in Mr Murphy suffering extensive injuries including a fracture to his vertebra and laceration of his liver.
There were no witnesses to the collision itself which it is believed occurred just after 9.30am. While the morning was frosty, weather conditions at the time were dry and there was no evidence of ice on the road at that location.
An examination of the Renault Traffic van showed that it was in fifth gear at the time of the impact and witnesses stated Mr Murphy's foot was on the accelerator.
The Coroner for Mayo, Dr Eleanor Fitzgerald was informed that Mr Murphy had a history of blood pressure and was taking a spray for angina which was found in the van.
Dr Fadel Bennani, Consultant Pathologist in Mayo University Hospital who performed the post mortem said that there was no evidence of heart disease but added there was a possibility Mr Murphy may have suffered a black out due to hypertension. However he added there was no medical evidence for this and he was speculating given the absence of other reasons for the van leaving the road.
Mr Murphy, the inquest was told, was a caffeine drinker and there were two empty cans of an energy drink found in the van.
Court presenter, Sergeant Noel Crinnegan said that Ballycroy woman Noreen Ruddy was the first person to come across the van and called the emergency services at 9.50am.
Mr Murphy was pronounced dead at the scene and Gardaí carried out a forensic examination of the scene and the vehicle.
Sergeant John Horkan, the forensic collision inspector, explained that Mr Murphy had negotiated a series of bends and was on a straight stretch of the road when the van veered to the left and left the road before hitting the tree. He said there were no skid marks or indications of braking and he could not determine the speed he was travelling.
Extensive damage
An inspection of the vehicle found that the front of the van was extensively damaged but was serviceable prior to the collision.
Dr Fitzgerald said that Mr Murphy suffered a horrific death and it was difficult to determine why the van left the road. She said that given his history of hypertension and angina she could not rule out that he may have suffered an episode to cause him to black out. She warned that excessive caffeine intake can affect people with heart issues.
She recorded a verdict of accidental death and expressed sympathy to Mr Murphy's partner, two children, and his parents and siblings.
Patrick Murphy, a brother of the deceased, thanked the emergency services and especially members of the Gardaí who called to their home on the day of the accident. He also asked all road users to be aware when driving, saying he did not want other families to experience what they went through.