A three-year-old boy from Ballina in Co Tipperary, who suffered from a rare liver disease, has died after attempts to save his life failed in Paris.
Patrick Hein Van Drumpt who suffered a urea cycle disorder, Ornithine Transcarbamoylase Deficiency (OTC), died after surgery complications at the Hospital des Enfants Malades in Paris. Patrick died after he rejected a second liver transplant on Tuesday afternoon. His funeral, which is a private service, is expected to take place in Ballina next weekend.
Patrick's father, Mark, who donated part of his liver to prolong the little boy's life, was discharged from hospital yesterday and will arrive home to Ireland with his wife, Patrick's mother, Leonie, later this week.
A self-employed physiotherapist who works with Garryowen Rugby Club in Limerick, he acted as a liver donor for Patrick's transplant operation. Patrick rejected his first liver transplant on March 12th and further complications led to calls for a second donor to come forward to save the little boy's life.
However, the second transplant also failed.
Local man, Mr Tom Elliffe, manager at Brendan Grace's Bar in Killaloe, who was involved in fundraising efforts for Patrick's operation in Paris, said yesterday: "There is a genuine grief in the local community on Patrick's passing. The family is very upset and hopefully friends will rally around them and help ease their pain."
Last month locals in the adjoining villages of Ballina, and Killaloe on the shores of Lough Derg organised a fundraising night at the pub owned by comedian Brendan Grace to help fund Patrick's operation and recovery.
Brendan Grace also performed in support of the effort to raise funds.