Tributes flow to 'great character' found dead in camper van after suspected carbon monoxide poisoning

Tributes are being paid to a father of five whose body was found in a camper van on Sunday in Co Kilkenny who may have died from carbon monoxide poisoning, it is understood.

Named locally as Gerry Kennedy, from Tikerlevan, Coppenagh, his body was found in nearby Thomastown at midday on Sunday.

Mr Kennedy had been socialising in Thomastown on Saturday night and decided to sleep in his campervan due to weather warnings advising people against driving due to forecasted snow and ice.

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Mr Kennedy, who worked as a builder, parked his camper van in a car park and turned the engine on to keep warm due to the freezing temperatures. It is understood that carbon monoxide subsequently seeped into the stationary vehicle.

Gardaí were alerted to the discovery of the man’s body when a local person became concerned that the camper van’s engine had been running for several hours. The man’s body was removed from the scene and a post-mortem was carried out at University Hospital Waterford (UHW).

A Garda spokesperson confirmed the discovery of the man’s body and said they were treating Mr Kennedy’s death as a “tragic accident”.

The spokesperson added: “Gardaí and emergency services responded to an incident in Thomastown, Co Kilkenny at approximately 12pm on Sunday.

“A man (aged in his 40s) was discovered deceased in a camper van. His body was removed to the mortuary at Waterford University Hospital. A file will now be prepared for the coroner.”

Hundreds of sympathisers on the death notices website rip.ie posted condolences to his family. One mourner said: “So sad to read this news. A gentleman that always had a smile on his face. Condolences to all the family."

“Rest in eternal peace Gerry,” another added: “Sincere condolences to all of Gerry’s family on his sad loss. He will be sadly missed by all, a great character. Rest in peace Gerry.”

Carbon monoxide, also known as CO, is a colourless, odourless, poisonous gas that can cause illness, loss of consciousness and death. Poisoning occurs when it builds up in the bloodstream. When too much carbon monoxide is in the air, the body replaces the oxygen in the red blood cells with carbon monoxide.

The Health Service Executive (HSE) advises that carbon monoxide is produced when fuels such as gas, oil, coal and wood do not burn fully. Burning charcoal, running cars and smoke from cigarettes also produce carbon monoxide gas. Dangerous levels of carbon monoxide can arise as a result of faulty car exhausts.

The HSE warns members of the public to check their vehicles for exhaust leaks annually. Before a person turns on an engine, they should make sure a vehicle exhaust is clear and should not leave petrol-fuelled lawnmowers or cars running in a garage.

There is also a risk of exposure to carbon monoxide from portable devices that are often used in caravans, boats and mobile homes.

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