Tributes to ‘lovable, kind, energetic’ Sarah Mescall (14) who died after taking part in Tik Tok challenge

The young girl has been named locally as Sarah Mescall and was a second year pupil at Coláiste Muire in Ennis, Co Clare.

She was taken to Crumlin Children’s Hospital on Friday after becoming ill, where she tragically died on Monday surrounded by family.

The 14-year-old, from Kilnamona was a member of Inagh-Kilnamona GAA club which has expressed its “shock and sadness” at the loss of the young player.

“On Wednesday evening last, we learned of the sudden illness of such a lovely young girl and this was compounded when we heard of the passing of Sarah on Monday afternoon,” said a statement from the club.

“There are no words to describe the shock and sadness of the community and our hearts go out to Sarah’s parents Joe and Deirdre, brother Jack and sister Emily, her grandad PJ, our Club President and his wife Mary, Sarah’s uncle Oliver, our Club Chairperson and the extended Mescall & Power families.

“Sarah was only beginning on her journey of life, a lovable, kind, energetic and fun loving girl. Now an angel in heaven, may she rest in peace.”

The coroner has been notified of the girl’s death .

A mass took place this morning at Coláiste Muire to celebrate the life of the young student. The school has put in place its critical counselling and support services to help pupils and teachers who have been impacted.

A garda spokesman said: “An Garda Síochána have notified the Coroner of the death of a girl (14) which occurred at Crumlin Children’s Hospital on the morning of Monday 25th September 2023.

“An Garda Síochána’s focus is the preparation of an investigation file for the coroner.”

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for social media platform TikTok said: “Our deepest sympathies are with the family experiencing this tragic loss.

“Content of this nature is prohibited on our platform and would be removed if found.

“We will continue to prioritise protecting and supporting our community, working with expert partners and providing safety resources to those who need them.”

The spokesperson added that the social media challenge is “not a TikTok trend”.

Funeral arrangements have been announced, reposing at Kilnamona Church on Thursday from 4pm with funeral prayers at 7pm.

The funeral mass will take place on Friday in Kilnamona Church at 11 am with burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.

Independent Ireland | News