Investigation launched after man (50s) dies in garda custody

Sarah Slater

An investigation has been launched after a man in his 50s died in garda custody.

The man was being held in a Co Waterford garda station cell and was found unresponsive in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Fiosrú, the Office of the Police Ombudsman, is investigating the incident.

In a statement, gardaí confirmed that in the early hours of Saturday, a man in his 50s who was in Garda custody at a Garda Station in Co Waterford was "discovered unresponsive in a cell and urgent assistance was requested".

Despite "immediate resuscitative attempts' by Garda members, medical personnel, and first responders who attended, "the man was later pronounced deceased.

The County Coroner has been notified. As per Garda policy, this matter has been referred to Fiosrú, the Office of the Police Ombudsman, under Section 203(1) of the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act.

"As this matter is being investigated by Fiosrú, An Garda Síochána is not in a position to comment," the statement added.

Established on April 2nd, 2025, under the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024,

Fiosrú replaced the former Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) to improve oversight and public confidence.