The heart-wrenching decision to switch off life support for 29-year-old Scarlett Faulkner has been put on hold. Her family revealed the delay comes as doctors await crucial final test results from England. Josephine (Joanne) Duffy, partner of Scarlett’s brother Thomas, explained the hold-up. “They said Friday that they were taking the tube from Scarlett because 99 per cent of the sedation had worn off, and there was no reaction, and there was no change since the day Scarlett went into the hospital. So they’re waiting for one test to come back,” she said. “That test is not back until Sunday or Monday.”
Family Holds On to Hope Despite Grim Outlook
Scarlett remains on life support at Cork University Hospital after a savage attack near Birdhill, County Tipperary on March 21. She has been in an induced coma to help reduce brain swelling. Despite the dire prognosis, Josephine insists the family is clinging to hope. “The family still want all the prayers because, of course, they are still hoping for a miracle,” she said. Josephine thanked the public for their overwhelming support: “The family really appreciate every single message and everything. And I’m sorry I can’t get back to all my messages because there are thousands of messages.” She promised to provide another update on Sunday or Monday.
Family Prepares for Funeral, Seeks Help
Earlier this week, the family was bracing for the worst and began arranging Scarlett’s funeral — a first for them, as Josephine explained: “The family have never buried anyone ever before.” With little experience, Josephine turned to the public for guidance. “Who do you go to for those big love-hearts and the red carpets? Who does those? Who do you go to for a casket? They want a lilac casket, do you know who they contact for a casket, a coach and horses?” She added how short notice has made it tough: “We need it for, I suppose, Sunday/Monday, and (we) know it’s kind of short notice.”
Ongoing Investigation and Court Cases
A 16-year-old girl has been charged with assault causing serious harm in connection with the attack on Scarlett on March 21. A 40-year-old woman faces charges of endangerment, violent disorder, and burglary related to the case. By court order, neither woman can be named. Both remain in custody and are due back in Tipperary District Court in Nenagh on April 23. The investigation continues. Detectives at Nenagh Garda Station urge anyone with information to come forward by calling (067) 05450, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.
