Ray Kenny, a 50-year-old father-of-three from Kilworth in County Cork, died by suicide on May 26, 2025, after his mental health suddenly deteriorated and he was admitted to St Stephen’s hospital in Glanmire, according to proceedings heard at the Cork City Coroner’s court. Mr Kenny, who had been healthy and medication-free for nine years following a previous bout of mental illness, sought medical help in March 2025 when he noticed his condition worsening. His wife, Cara Kenny, stated that her husband entered the psychiatric unit believing it would be a safe place, but instead described his stay as “torture” and found the hospital environment traumatising.
Medical Treatment and Hospital Conditions at St Stephen’s Hospital
During his stay at St Stephen’s hospital, Mr Kenny’s medication regimen was adjusted, according to psychiatrist Dr Grozdana Lalevic. However, his condition continued to fluctuate with good and bad days. Barrister Pearse Sreenan, representing the Kenny family and instructed by solicitor Lyndy Cantillon, questioned why an antipsychotic drug named Quetiapine, which Mr Kenny had previously taken and requested again, was discontinued. Dr Lalevic stated that Mr Kenny's condition had initially deteriorated while on Quetiapine, it was not the drug most commonly prescribed for his diagnoses of anxiety, depression, and insomnia, and he had only been on a low dose.
Mr Kenny experienced severe frustration regarding a lack of therapeutic outlets and limited opportunities to exercise, despite being a keen runner. Although he was typically anti-smoking, he began smoking 40 to 50 cigarettes a day while in the facility. Following a reported near-suicide attempt where he contemplated taking his life while running in woodland near the hospital—stopped only by thoughts of his children—staff restricted him from going outside unaccompanied. On Friday, May 23, 2025, he became extremely agitated over these movement restrictions, punched hospital walls, and wrote a goodbye letter to his wife that staff later discovered.
Did You Know? Ray Kenny had been healthy and medication-free for nine years before experiencing a sudden decline in his mental health in March 2025.
Events Preceding the Death and Coroner’s Verdict
Despite the incident on Friday, Mr Kenny was allowed to leave the hospital on Saturday, May 24, 2025, to visit his family at home. He spent the day playing with his children and planning household maintenance jobs he intended to do after discharge. Returning to the facility that evening, he told his wife he felt guilty about being away from his family, though she reassured him he was simply unwell. After returning to St Stephen’s around 8:00 PM, he texted his wife to thank her for the day, but reiterated that the hospital environment was “torture” due to noise and lack of privacy in his six-bed room.
The following morning, Sunday, May 25, 2025, Ms Kenny found her husband’s phone turned off, an unusual occurrence because he did not know the device’s code. She contacted the hospital and expressed extreme concern, but was informed by staff that he was in good form at breakfast and looking forward to watching a Cork-Waterford match. A subsequent call yielded the same reassurance of his well-being. Shortly afterward, the hospital contacted Ms Kenny to report that her husband had been found unresponsive following a suicide attempt and was transferred to Cork University Hospital’s emergency department, where he died the following day. Ms Kenny stated that her repeated telephone calls to the facility are what ultimately led staff to check on him. Coroner Philip Comyn recorded a verdict of death by suicide, noting the critical importance of hospital communication with families, while Ms Kenny expressed her belief that she was not adequately involved in her husband’s treatment plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Ray Kenny pass away?
Mr Kenny died on May 26, 2025, after being transferred to the emergency department following a suicide attempt at the hospital.
Where was Mr Kenny receiving treatment?
He was a patient at St Stephen’s hospital located in Glanmire, Co Cork.
What conclusion did the coroner reach?
Cork City Coroner Philip Comyn returned a formal verdict of death by suicide following the inquest.
How can families better advocate for loved ones experiencing acute psychiatric distress within institutional settings?
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