An inquest into the death of 15-year-old Killian Burnett heard that he died after waiting more than four years to see a specialist consultant for his asthma. Children's Health Ireland (CHI) apologised to his family for shortcomings in his care.
Killian, from Finglas in Dublin and a student at New Cross College, had severe and poorly controlled asthma. He died at Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown, on 22 March 2022.
A postmortem found he died of respiratory failure due to a severe exacerbation of chronic asthma, with focal pneumonia among the contributory factors. The Journal also reported aspiration of gastrointestinal mucoid content as a contributory factor.
The inquest at Dublin Coroner's Court on 26 November 2025 heard that Killian was first referred to see a respiratory medicine consultant in December 2017. He was categorised as a 'routine' case, a status that never changed before his death. He had four cancelled appointments between that first referral and his death.
The inquest heard that about a month before his death, Killian and his parents attended CHI at Temple Street to see a specialist without realising that, due to miscommunication, the appointment had been cancelled a short time previously. Over about two months shortly before he died, he was brought by ambulance to Temple Street on five occasions and discharged home after a few hours each time, including two occasions when he lost consciousness.
Killian's father, David Burnett, described his son as 'everyone's best friend' and a 'great little kid'. He told the inquest that on the day Killian died he was alerted at 4am that his son was struggling to breathe.
CHI's clinical director for medical specialities offered an 'unreserved apology' to the family for 'acknowledged shortcomings' in the care of Killian's condition. Conor Halpin SC, counsel for CHI, issued an apology on behalf of CHI's chief executive, Lucy Nugent, acknowledging that 'the experience was devastating for you'.
Coroner Clare Keane returned a verdict of death due to medical misadventure. She found there had been 'missed opportunities' to treat Killian's 'unstable, severe asthma', and welcomed improvements already made by CHI.
The inquest heard that a serious incident report on the death had been circulated to all respiratory consultants, that waiting lists had been merged across CHI hospitals to ensure 'equity of access', and that no patients were then waiting more than two years on the respiratory waiting list.
The coroner recommended that consideration be given to making it mandatory for any child presenting with a history of respiratory arrest due to asthma to be discussed with a senior clinician, with a referral made or care escalated if clinical conditions warranted it. She also said it should be clarified whether patients who already had a referral had been categorised as routine, semi-urgent or urgent, and that their status should be changed if necessary.
At a High Court hearing on 23 June 2026, before Judge Paul Coffey and reported by RTÉ, a letter of apology issued on behalf of CHI was read out and a settlement was reached. The terms of the settlement were not disclosed in court. Judge Coffey offered his condolences to the Burnett family.
Speaking outside court, Killian's older brother, Jordan Burnett, said the day was about honouring Killian, remembering him and making sure what happened to him is never forgotten.
Case note
The Burnett family was represented by principal solicitor Ciara McPhillips of Michael Boylan Litigation.
