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30th May 2022

Get your children screened for Sudden Adult Death Syndrome, mum urges after losing daughter

Kat O'Connor

Her daughter was only 31 when she passed away.

A heartbroken mother has spoken out about Sudden Adult Death Syndrome after losing her young daughter.

Margherita Cummins’ daughter passed away last summer at the age of 31.

Her daughter Catherine Keane was healthy and frequently went to the gym, but was found dead in her bed last July.

The 31-year-old passed away in her sleep.

Her mother has urged parents to screen their children for Sudden Adult Death Syndrome, especially if there is a history of cardiac disease in the family.

Catherine’s mother said the loss of her daughter has broken her heart.

She said they had an incredibly special bond and now finds every day incredibly tough.

Speaking to The Irish Mirror, her mum said her housemates found her dead in her bed at their home in Rathmines.

“I take some comfort in that she went in her sleep and knew no pain and I’m grateful for that.

“I always worried about the kids driving in the car but never saw this coming. I never thought I’d ever lose a child in my life.”

She added, “Every day I wake up and think: Oh God, here we go again. It’s a struggle. I try and look at something positive to get me through but there are so many reminders everywhere.”

Fortunately, SADS is not very common in Ireland. However, experts believe one young person dies from SADS every week in Ireland.

Doctors believe people should get cardiac genetic testing if there is a history of SADS or concerns about symptoms.