Woman who died at CUMH ‘to be buried with son in her arms’

The woman who died in a tragic incident at Cork University Maternity Hospital this week is expected to be buried with her deceased son in her arms.

Marie Downey, from Ballyagran in Limerick but living in Knockanevin near the Cork border, passed away on Monday in a private room at the hospital. Her newborn son, Darragh, died on Tuesday evening. Tributes have poured in for the 36-year-old, who leaves behind husband Kieran and two other young sons. "It's unbelievable, she was a gorgeous girl. She had a heart of gold, she was very caring," one friend told the Irish Independent. Novartis, the pharmaceutical plant in Cork where Ms Downey was a technician, issued a statement. "Marie Downey was a valued member of our team here... "Our thoughts and prayers are with Marie's family and friends during this very difficult time. "Marie will be fondly remembered here at Novartis Ringaskiddy." Local priest Fr Eamonn Kelleher told The Irish Times; "It’s a very close knit community and there is immense respect for the Downeys. "I know the people there with great sensitivity will do everything they can." The deaths have been described as a "tragic occurrence" by the South South West Hospital Group. The hospital has confirm that Ms Downey was an epilepsy sufferer. She was found unconscious with her son under her after 7am on Monday morning by hospital staff. It is believed that she became unconscious and fell out of bed. Darragh was given emergency treatment but had been seriously injured in the accident.