Co Wicklow, Ireland – The community of Co Wicklow has been devastated by the untimely death of 8-year-old Matthew Breen, who tragically died in Crumlin Children’s Hospital, Dublin on November 17, 2025. Matthew’s heartbreaking journey began with a routine injury at school, but it ended with a tragic loss that has left his family, friends and the entire community in deep mourning.
Incidence and medical complications
Matthew was taken to hospital on Thursday, November 6, after breaking his arm in two places at school. His family reports that he seemed to be fine after his injury and that the hospital initially sent him home. However, his condition worsened, prompting his mother Ciara to seek further treatment at Crumlin Hospital for surgery on his broken arm.
Once admitted, Matthew began experiencing complications. He was given pills and steroids to ease the symptoms, but he continued vomiting throughout the day. Despite receiving a second dose of steroids, his breathing became labored and hospital staff advised Ciara to walk Matthew around the hospital and provide him with water.
After being discharged from the hospital, Matthew’s condition worsened significantly by the following Monday, November 10. He was having difficulty breathing and stopped breathing completely, leading to an immediate response from first responders. Matthew was immediately taken back to Crumlin Hospital, where he was placed in a coma and on life support.
Matthew’s death and the family’s grief
Tragically, despite the best efforts of medical personnel, Matthew passed away on Monday, November 17, 2025, with his family by his side. His death has left a deep void in the hearts of his family and everyone who knew him.
Matthew’s family has shared how much everyone around him loved him. He was described as a “lovely little boy” who brought joy and warmth to the lives of his parents, siblings and everyone he met. Matthew’s mother, Ciara, and her family are struggling with the devastating loss of their eldest child, and the grief is shared by the entire Wicklow community.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to help the family.
In the wake of Matthew’s tragic death, his sister-in-law, Lauren Frampton, has set up a GoFundMe page to help ease the financial burden on the family during this incredibly difficult time. Lauren shared the following message on the fundraising page:
“Matthew was the sweetest little boy. He is missed and loved by so many people. Matthew has 2 brothers and 2 sisters, and Matthew was the oldest. This GoFundMe is to help Matthew’s family deal with the financial stress. He was the sweetest little boy and he will be missed and loved by all who knew him. As a community, we have all come together, and anything – no matter how small – can really help this family during this difficult time. Will help.”
So far, the GoFundMe campaign has raised over €12,600 from over 500 donations, with the funds providing much-needed support to the Breen family as they deal with this massive tragedy.
a community coming together
The outpouring of support from the local community reflects the love and impact Matthew had on everyone around him. Friends, neighbors and fellow parents have come together to support the family, offering financial help and emotional support following this unimaginable loss.
Matthew’s story serves as a poignant reminder of how fragile life is and the importance of community and family support during times of intense grief. The Breen family is grateful for the love and compassion he received, and they continue to honor Matthew’s memory by cherishing the moments they shared with him.
Remembering Matthew Breen
Matthew will always be remembered for his kind heart, his warmth, and the joy he brought to those who loved him. His legacy will live on in the memories of family, friends and community members who had the privilege of knowing him.
Although his life was tragically cut short, Matthew’s influence will live on. All who knew him will always remember and respect him. Rest in peace, dear Matthew, and may your memory be a blessing.
