Tragedy as man dies in gas horror

Tragedy as man dies in gas horror

4 May 2016

NEWCASTLE has been shocked after another death due to suspected carbon monoxide poisoning.

Sixty year-old William Stockdale, from Castlewellan Road, died last Friday night. Investigators are looking at the possibility that the poisonous gas came from a wood burning stove at his bungalow.

In January last year, Francis and Nan O’Reilly, a married couple in their 70s, were found dead in their caravan at the Bonny’s site at the Tullybrannigan Road. They died from carbon monoxide poisoning linked to a gas cooker.

Mr Stockdale’s funeral service was held at his home yesterday afternoon and conducted by Canon Ian Ellis before the father of two and grandfather was buried at Drumee cemetery near Castlewellan.

The Health and Safety Executive has confirmed it is working alongside other agencies to help investigate the circumstances surrounding the Newcastle man’s death last weekend.

It is understood Mr Stockdale had been recovering at home after treatment for a heart condition and initially believed the chest pain and discomfort he was experiencing was due to the operation.

A relative visited Mr Stockdale on Friday night and, realising he was very ill, called neighbours and the Ambulance Service. Paramedics realised the cause could be carbon monoxide poisoning and cleared the house as they continued to treat Mr Stockdale who tragically died at the scene.

Five people and the two paramedics were later treated at the Ulster Hospital and released.

An Ambulance Service spokesman said paramedics were called after reports that a 60-year-old man was suffering from shortness of breath. He confirmed that while delivering treatment, the paramedics and three other people in the property started to feel unwell “with chest pain, headaches and nausea.”

He continued: “The crew recognised that these were potential symptoms for carbon monoxide poisoning and immediately called the Fire and Rescue Service whose readings indicated high levels of the gas.”

Mr McPoland commended the paramedics involved and said they had saved lives, adding: “The actions of the crew were unbelievable.”

Canon Ellis has extended his “deepest sympathies” to the whole family circle on their tragic loss while former Down councillor, Dessie Patterson, who went to school with Mr Stockdale, said the Newcastle man’s death “has shocked the local community.”

He added: “This is a real tragedy and my thoughts are with William’s family at this sad time. People are shocked at what has happened. I would appeal to people to be aware of the dangers carbon monoxide poses to their health. What happened to William is a complete tragedy and people will be thinking about his family at what must be a very difficult time for them.”

South Down MP Margaret Ritchie said she was “shocked and saddened” to learn of Mr Stockdale’s death and said the thoughts and prayers of the entire community are with the family at this time. She added: “We must never forget the daily risk our emergency services take to protect the public. Their bravery must be commended. This tragedy has thrown into sharp focus the danger posed by carbon monoxide and I urge everyone to ensure that they have a detector in their homes and that they test it regularly.”

South Down MLAs Chris Hazzard and Sean Rogers have extended their sympathy to Mr Stockdale’s relatives. 

Mr Hazzard described the 60 year-old’s death as a “tragedy which has shocked and saddened the local community.” He wished those taken to hospital a speedy recovery and urged the authorities to carry out an investigation to find out exactly what happened.

Mr Rogers said the Newcastle community has already “experienced the horrors of carbon monoxide” and that to learn of Mr Stockdale’s death was “soul destroying.” The MLA said he will continue to keep Mr Stockdale, his family and friends in his thoughts and prayers.