Stryker to face court in relation to death of man at Cork facility three years ago

A US medical technology company is to face a criminal prosecution over alleged breaches of health and safety legislation uncovered as part of an investigation into a fatal incident at one of its facilities in Cork three years ago.

Representatives of Stryker, which manufacturers medical devices, have been summoned to appear before a sitting of Midleton District Court later this month.

It is understood the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has recommended that criminal proceedings should be instituted against the US firm following an investigation by the Health and Safety Authority into an incident at its plant in Carrigtwohill, Co Cork, on April 18, 2023.

John Murphy, 41, a married father from Condonstown, Watergrasshill, Co Cork, sustained fatal injuries as a result of the incident.

Mr Murphy, who suffered extensive burns to his body, was working at the time for a facilities management company, Apleona, which was carrying out contract work for Stryker.

He was working on the roof of the factory when it is suspected there was some type of explosion in which he sustained third-degree burns to 75% of his body.

He died almost two months later on June 9, 2023, in the specialist burns unit in St James’s Hospital in Dublin where he had been transferred after originally being treated at Cork University Hospital for 24 hours.

Mr Murphy had been able to make it down off the roof but became unresponsive a short time later and never regained consciousness before his death.

Case listed for mention

The case is listed for its first mention before Midleton District Court on October 22 when it is expected the specific charge or charges will be outlined.

A copy of the HSA investigation report into the incident at the Stryker plant had been with the Office of the DPP since October 2025.

Relatives of Mr Murphy have been critical of the delay in completing the inquiry and the decision on whether any prosecution would arise from the circumstances of his death.

At a hearing of an inquest into his death at Dublin District Coroner’s Court last month, the family’s solicitor, Ernest Cantillon, said it was “not a satisfactory situation” that there would be a delay of five years to complete the inquest if there is a related criminal prosecution.

Horrific experience

Acknowledging the family’s “horrific experience” and their long wait for answers, the coroner, Clare Keane, said she was limited in what she could do while awaiting a determination from the DPP as she would have to respect the investigatory process.

In March 2024, Mr Murphy’s family initiated High Court proceedings against Stryker Ireland Limited and Apleona Ireland Limited over his death.

A representative of the deceased’s family declined to comment when contacted over the weekend about the upcoming court case.