Tributes have been paid to Scarlett Faulkner, the 29-year-old mother of one who passed away on Monday following an assault last month.
The heartbroken family of Ms Faulkner confirmed that she died at Cork University Hospital, having been on life support since the incident on the 21st March. She had been violently assaulted with an iron bar at the side of the R494 road in Birdgill, Co Tipperary.
The family said that the young woman’s life support was switched off at 4pm on Saturday but that she had remained breathing overnight on her own as they held a vigil by her bedside.
Scarlett’s cousin, Melissa McCarthy, who had kept the public updated since the assault with photos and videos online, wrote in a tribute with a selection of images: “Fly high our girl, love you forever, my beautiful cousin.
“Oh your poor family and little girl.”
Her brother Martin wrote on social media on Monday: “RIP my lovely sister Scarlett.”
The family had also started a page called ‘Scarlettarmy’ through which they had appealed for prayers for Scarlett.
In an updated statement on Monday night, Gardaí said that they continue to investigate the serious assault. A woman aged in her 40s and a teenage girl have been charged in connection with the assault.
They said that the Coroner has been notified, and that 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 said that they are not making any further comment.
Investigations are ongoing.