The community of County Wicklow is grieving the heartbreaking loss of 8-year-old Matthew Breen, a bright, loving young boy whose life was tragically cut short following unexpected medical complications after breaking his arm at school. Matthew passed away peacefully at Crumlin Children’s Hospital in Dublin on Monday, surrounded by his devastated family.

Matthew was taken by ambulance to the hospital on Thursday, November 6, after suffering a double fracture in his arm during a school incident. Despite being in good spirits and “completely fine that day,” according to his family, he was discharged home shortly thereafter. His mother, Ciara, then arranged for him to undergo surgery at Crumlin Hospital to repair the injury.

However, once admitted, Matthew’s condition began to decline. He became increasingly unwell, experiencing persistent vomiting and difficulty keeping medication down. He was given steroids in an attempt to relieve his symptoms, but nothing seemed to bring him comfort. After a second dose, Matthew began to struggle with his breathing. His mother was advised to walk him around the hospital and encourage him to drink water, though his distress continued.

Matthew was eventually discharged, but by Monday, November 10, his health had deteriorated rapidly. He was fighting to breathe, prompting an urgent response to the family’s home. First responders worked to revive him, and he was rushed back to Crumlin Hospital, where he was placed into an induced coma and connected to life support as doctors fought to save him.

Despite every effort, Matthew passed away on Monday, November 17, with those who loved him most by his side.

Matthew leaves behind a grieving family, including his heartbroken mother, Ciara, his two brothers, and his two sisters, all of whom adored him deeply. As the eldest child, Matthew was a protective, gentle, and warm soul who brought light into every room he entered.

In the wake of this unimaginable tragedy, Ciara’s sister-in-law, Lauren Frampton, has created a GoFundMe page to help ease the financial burden the family now faces. Lauren described Matthew as “the most loving little boy… loved by everyone who knew him” and shared that the fundraiser is meant to support the family during this painful and overwhelming time.