Northern Ireland

Family of west Belfast teen who died suddenly may have to wait up to five months for cause of death

The family of a west Belfast teenager who died in his sleep have revealed they may have to wait up to five months to find out the cause of the 17-year-old's sudden death.

Ciaran Maskey, from Bingnian Drive in Andersonstown, was found at home early on Saturday.

A labourer by trade, the teen was found by his older brother, Ruairi.

Speaking to the Irish News, the 19-year-old said his family had been left devastated by his brother's sudden death.

Mr Maskey said his younger sibling had been out with friends on Friday night and had returned home, speaking to his mother before he fell asleep downstairs.

The following morning, Mr Maskey said he found his brother still asleep downstairs with "blue lips".

The 19-year-old lifted his younger brother on to the floor and performed CPR on him until paramedics arrived however he was pronounced dead.

Mr Maskey said his brother's death is "just surreal".

"It was so unexpected," he said.

"Obviously, he wasn't perfect. He did things over the years. He finally had a wee girlfriend and he had a job, he was labouring. His life started to look up".

Mr Maskey said his brother had no known medical conditions and the family may have to wait up to five months to find out the cause of death.

"We were always together, every day of our lives," he said.

"You just never know when your last goodbye is.”

Requiem Mass for Ciaran Maskey took place at St Agnes' Church on Wednesday. Burial took place afterwards in City Cemetery.