Postmortem results on siblings found dead in Galway inconclusive

Gardaí investigating the deaths of a brother and sister who were found at their home in Galway on Wednesday are awaiting toxicology reports which will help to determine the cause.

Postmortems were carried out on the bodies of the siblings at University Hospital Galway on Thursday. The results are “inconclusive, pending toxicology reports”, a Garda spokesman said, but foul play is “not suspected”.

Patricia Kerr and her brother Gavin Ridgard were both in their 50s, and lived in a house in Coogan Park, Newcastle.

The alarm was raised when neighbours reported that they had not seen either of the pair in some days.

The two bodies were discovered in separate areas of the house shortly before lunchtime on Wednesday, and identified by a family member. A small Pomeranian dog owned by Ms Kerr was also in the house.

It is understood that there was no sign of a break-in and there was no indication that either sibling had sustained injuries.

Mr Ridgard’s daughter died a year ago and close friends of the family said he had not recovered. His sister had discussed going to England to be with family, according to close friends.

A Garda spokesman said that a number of avenues would be pursued, including possible carbon monoxide poisoning or other causes. It is understood a window was open in the house.