A THREE-YEAR-OLD boy has become the latest victim of a deadly flu virus in Ireland.
Ollie Dempsey, of Monamolin Co. Wexford, walked into his parent's bedroom at 7 am on Tuesday morning and collapsed after complaining of a high temperature.
He went into cardiac arrest and was rushed to Wexford General Hospital where he was resuscitated and shocked numerous times, but he died shortly after.
The tragic and unexplainable loss has left parents Barry and Jane devastated. They are both popular in the local area, where Barry runs a taxi company.
Local Independent Councillor Mary Farrell told the Irish Mirror: “The whole community is devastated and everyone’s heart is just going out to the young couple. They have another small baby who is about nine months.
“I offer my sympathy to the family and as regards the community people are there to support them in any way that they can. Really our hearts just go out to them. You know a small baby like that with another small baby in the family as well.
“It’s devastating for any young couple to have to deal with any situation like that. But they’re in our thoughts and in our prayers and all we can do is be there to support them in any way that we can.”
It is understood that Ollie had complained of flu-like symptoms while attending school in the days leading up to his death.
The tragic death comes at a time when so many people, particularly children, are being affected by flu throughout the country.
Dublin teenager Sean Hughes lost his life last week after complaining of flu-like symptoms to his parents.
The funeral Mass for Ollie will take place on Friday afternoon at St Moling’s Church, Monamolin.
