Mum dies weeks after ‘being chased and struck by iron bar’
The family of a mother have announced she died in hospital three weeks after being attacked at the side of the road.
Scarlett Faulkner, 29, was allegedly struck with an iron bar on Saturday, March 21 – three weeks ago.
The mother, from Limerick, was placed in an induced coma after suffering catastrophic head injuries.
But the mother of a six-year-old daughter was taken off her life support machine in Cork University Hospital. She died hours later with family members at her bedside.
In an update on social media on Monday evening, her brother posted ‘RIP my lovely sister Scarlett’.
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Her cousin Melissa McCarthy, who had kept the public updated via videos online, posted a montage of images of Scarlett, captioned: ‘Fly high our girl love you forever my beautiful cousin oh your poor family and little girl 13.04.2026.
‘Goodbye our girl fly high, you’re with the angels now, oh god mind Aunt Mary and Banny, all your brothers and sisters especially your little girl nieces, nephews, in-laws fly high you fought until the last.’
A woman aged in her 40s and a teenage girl have been charged in connection with the assault.
The 16-year-old is alleged to have been a passenger in a car that had pursued and rammed a van that Faulkner and a man were travelling in.
A court heard that when Faulkner ran from the van, she was chased by the girl and allegedly struck across her head with an iron bar at least 11 times.
Josephine Duffy, the partner of Scarlett’s brother Thomas, gave an update on social media this Monday evening saying: ‘The one, the only, Scarlet Faulkner, passed away so peacefully with her loving family around her.”
‘Rest in peace my beautiful sister-in-law. Thank you all so much for your prayers and support,’ wrote Josephine.
Martin Anthony Faulkner, one of Scarlett’s 15 siblings, wrote on social media: ‘RIP my lovely sister Scarlett.’
‘It is with the deepest sorrow and profound regret that we share the heartbreaking news that Scarlett Faulkner has passed away. She left this world peacefully, surrounded by her loving family.
‘At this deeply distressing time, the family are gently trying to process their overwhelming grief and loss. They kindly ask for privacy as they come to terms with saying goodbye to their precious, beautiful girl,’ reads a post on her Facebook group.
‘Your kindness has meant more to them than words can say. They ask that we all continue to pray for Scarlett – that her gentle soul is received into the loving arms of God and granted eternal peace and a soft bed in Heaven. Thank you all, and God bless you all.’
On Monday evening, Gardaí confirmed that Scarlett had died and that investigations were ongoing.
A Garda spokesperson said: ‘Gardaí continue to investigate a serious assault which occurred on the R494 at Birdhill, Co. Tipperary on Saturday 21 March, 2026 shortly before 5.30pm.
‘The woman, aged in her 20s, who was injured in the incident, was pronounced deceased earlier today, Monday, 13 April in Cork University Hospital.
‘The Coroner has been notified. A post-mortem examination will take place in due course.
‘A Family Liaison Officer has been assigned to support the family of the deceased. As two persons are currently charged before the courts, An Garda Síochána is not making any further comment. Investigations are ongoing.’