An 80-year-old farmer who had just bought a new tractor died in a house fire before he could enjoy his new purchase.
James Campbell was killed after a fire in his bedroom – most likely caused by cigarettes.
James Campbell, from Cloghan in Co Donegal, was found at the back-door of his home at Glassaghbeag on March 10th, 2017.
Homehelp Eileen Hearn called to James’ home at around 1.30pm that afternoon but was met at the door by a large amount of smoke.
She called another home-help and they immediately called the emergency services.
Another local man Barry Campbell arrived on the scene, broke a window and hosed down the house.
Firman Stephen McDermott managed to take Mr Campbell out onto the street where he was attended to immediately.
He was covered in soot and unresponsive.
Dr Eamon Murphy arrived and pronounced Mr Campbell dead at 2.22pm.
Scenes of crime officer, Garda John Harkin said he carried out a full examination of the scene of the fire.
He revealed how he believed the fire was confined to Mr Campbell’s bedroom and how the area of most intensity was the left-hand corner of the bed.
He said that he found numerous tipped cigarette ends on the bedroom floor as well as a box of Benson and Hedges cigarettes.
He added that the house had one smoke alarm which did not have a battery but he added that the smoke alarm was so far away from the fire that it may not have made a difference.
The last person to see Mr Campbell alive was Kevin Magill, from Fintown who had left James off at his home the previous evening.
He told how the elderly farmer was in great form and had told him how he had just purchased a new tractor that day and was looking forward to using it.
Pathologist Dr H Gyorfly said there was no real evidence of burns but said Mr Campbell was covered in soot and said the cause of death was carbon monoxide inhalation.
Coroner Dr Denis McCauley said it was obvious that the victim was overcome with fumes.
He added that the death was an accident due to a tragic house fire.
He added that it was a pity that the late Mr Campbell never got a chance to enjoy his new purchase before sympathising with the late farmer’s relatives in court.
Garda Sgt John Joe McClafferty expressed his condolences on behalf of An Garda Siochana.
