The late Henrique Coelho was a healthy 26-year-old man and the only son of Silvia Gamelas, a Portuguese family living in Ireland since 2018. The community is in shock and mourning his untimely death, with his family now seeking justice through a fundraiser for solicitor costs.
Henrique fell ill on January 18th and was taken to A&E in Galway Hospital, complaining of shortness of breath and chest discomfort. Despite his symptoms, after an ECG, X-ray, and blood tests revealing an infection, the doctor diagnosed a chest infection and prescribed antibiotics and antihistamines. Silvia expressed concerns about his heart and potential blood clots, but the doctor did not consult a cardiologist or keep Henrique overnight for further monitoring.
On January 20th, Henrique’s condition worsened, leading to a tragic emergency. He woke his parents in distress, gasping for help. Despite calling an ambulance immediately, it took 18 minutes to arrive, during which time the paramedics did not administer oxygen right away. The family, in a panic, answered questions on Henrique’s behalf as he struggled to breathe. His final word was a desperate "HELP" before his heart stopped at their doorstep. CPR was performed, but he lost his pulse on the way to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
Silvia Gamelas, devastated by the loss of her son, is now raising funds through a GoFundMe campaign to cover solicitor costs to seek justice for Henrique. The campaign, organized by Silvia, has raised €145 of its €3,000 goal with support from donors such as John Kinsella and anonymous contributors.
Henrique’s case has stirred significant emotional support and calls for justice, as seen in social media posts like "Justice for Henrique" and "Justice to Henrique" by Henrique Forever. The family’s story underscores the tragic consequences of medical oversights and the desperate need for accountability in healthcare.
Silvia’s fundraiser can be supported at: Donate to Henrique Coelho.
The community’s response reflects a collective call for justice and support for Henrique’s family during this heart-wrenching time.
Note:This post was written and edited by Ellie Flores, based on their expertise and research. It is intended for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. We welcome your feedback and questions on this content. Please feel free to contact us.