In a cruel twist that has left an entire community reeling, the Faulkner family of Limerick has been struck by yet another devastating blow — just two days after laying their beloved daughter and sister Scarlett to rest.

Jason Faulkner, one of Scarlett’s 16 siblings and a proud pallbearer who helped shoulder his younger sister’s coffin during her emotional funeral on Friday, has died suddenly at the age of 30-something.

The reason of death was confirmed as a massive heart attack, according to those close to the family who spoke of the young man’s final moments.

The news, which broke on Sunday evening through heartbroken social media posts from relatives, has plunged the already grieving family into fresh despair. Friends and neighbours described the double tragedy as “beyond devastating” and “too cruel for words,” with many struggling to comprehend how one household could endure so much pain in such a short space of time.

Scarlett Faulkner, the 29-year-old devoted mum-of-one, passed away on April 13 after fighting for her life for more than three weeks in Cork University Hospital. She never recovered from catastrophic head injuries sustained in a brutal alleged roadside assault on March 21 near Birdhill in Co Tipperary. A 16-year-old girl and a woman in her 40s face charges in connection with the attack, which involved an iron bar and left the young mother fighting for survival on the side of a public road.

Her funeral at St Munchin’s Church on Clancy Strand in Limerick City was a day of profound sorrow mixed with remarkable dignity. Thousands turned out to pay their respects to the “sleeping beauty” remembered as a warm, humorous and fiercely loving mother to her young daughter Oceanna.

The family had specifically asked for peace — no alcohol, no fighting — and mourners respected that plea as floral tributes piled high and the streets fell silent. Scarlett’s sister Victoria delivered a powerful eulogy on behalf of their ten sisters and five brothers, vowing: “We promise you sister, we will get the justice you deserve.”

Jason was among the pallbearers who carried his sister’s coffin with quiet strength that day. Photos captured the moment — a brother saying his final goodbye while supporting his devastated parents, known affectionately as Banny and Mary, and the rest of the large extended Traveller family.

Just 48 hours later, the family was dealt another hammer blow. Jason was found dead on Sunday. Tributes poured in immediately, with cousin Melissa McCarthy confirming the news on social media: “My heart, 2 days after burying your sister Scarlett, you’re gone now Jason, her lovely brother. The laughs we had, oh Jason what are the family gonna do? I can’t get my head round it, no doubt Scarlett Faulkner was there to meet you — together again forever.”

She added a plea for prayers for aunt Mary, Banny and the entire family.

Another relative wrote: “Sad world we live in — poor Banny and Mary buried their daughter Scarlett two days ago and now their son. God may mind them, keep them strong. Pray for all the family again. This is a painful world. Rest in peace Jason.”

Friends described Jason as an “angel” who had stepped up during his sister’s funeral, offering quiet support amid the overwhelming grief. One posted: “So heartbreaking, two lovely angels gone to heaven. Rest in peace Jason Faulkner. My heart goes out to your family. God wrap your arms around Banny, Mary & family.”

Another mourner summed up the collective shock: “I’m lost for words. Seen this boy carrying his poor sister’s coffin at her funeral and now he’s gone to heaven. I’ve never seen sadder in my life.”

The confirmation that Jason’s death was due to a massive heart attack has only added to the sense of sudden, shocking loss. At an age when most men are in the prime of life, the news has prompted quiet questions about the hidden toll of grief, stress and emotional trauma on the human heart — especially in a family already carrying the weight of a violent crime and a high-profile investigation.

Medical sources familiar with such cases note that overwhelming grief can trigger cardiac events, particularly in those with underlying vulnerabilities or heightened stress levels. While no official post-mortem details have been released publicly, the family’s inner circle has spoken of Jason’s deep bond with Scarlett and the immense strain of recent weeks.

The Faulkner family is well-known in Limerick for their close-knit bonds and strong sense of loyalty. Scarlett was remembered at her funeral as a devoted mother who “gave everything” for little Oceanna. Jason, like his siblings, played an active role in supporting the family through the long hospital vigil at Cork University Hospital and the painful decision to turn off life support when doctors confirmed there was no recovery.

Now, the same family that stood together to bury Scarlett must prepare for another funeral — another heartbreaking farewell in what has become an unbearable few weeks.

The timing could scarcely be more cruel. On Friday, Jason helped carry his sister to her final resting place at the family plot in Meelick Cemetery, south-east Clare. By Sunday, he himself had passed, reportedly reuniting with Scarlett in the words of many tributes.

Social media has been flooded with messages of sympathy, with many calling for the Faulkner family to be wrapped in prayers and support. “How much heartache can this family take?” one post asked. “The nation needs to keep the Faulkner family in their thoughts and prayers.”

Others reflected on the broader tragedy: a young mother taken in a savage alleged attack, leaving a little girl without her mum, and now a brother lost so soon after performing that final act of love at her funeral.

Gardaí investigations into Scarlett’s death continue at Nenagh Garda Station. The Legacy Letter Scarlett reportedly wrote while in hospital, along with later developments involving arrests and confessions in the case, had already brought fresh layers of pain and questions for the family. Now, amid this new loss, their call for justice remains as strong as ever.

Neighbours at the Longpavement halting site in Limerick spoke of a community in shock. “They are a lovely family who have been through hell,” one local said. “First Scarlett, now Jason. It doesn’t seem real. Our hearts are broken for them.”

The Peace Pledge the family requested at Scarlett’s funeral — a day of calm reflection rather than further tension — now feels even more poignant. The family had hoped to honour Scarlett with dignity. Instead, they face another funeral while still processing the first.

Little Oceanna remains at the centre of every thought. Family members have spoken repeatedly of how much Scarlett loved her daughter and how the child is a living reminder of her mother’s gentle spirit. Now, with the loss of her uncle Jason so soon after, the extended family’s protective instincts will no doubt rally even stronger around the little girl.

As tributes continue to pour in, the story of the Faulkner siblings — Scarlett and Jason — has touched hearts far beyond Limerick. From messages of condolence across Ireland to comments from those who never knew the family personally but feel the weight of the double tragedy, there is a shared sense of sorrow.

One friend wrote simply: “Two lovely angels gone to heaven.” Another added: “Life is so cruel and shocking. Jason cousin, you’re back with your sister Scarlett. We will all love and miss you forever. Our hearts are in bits.”

The reason of death being confirmed as a massive heart attack brings a medical finality to Jason’s passing, yet it does little to ease the emotional void. In the days and weeks ahead, the family will no doubt lean on each other, on their faith, and on the outpouring of community support as they navigate yet another funeral.

For now, Limerick — and Ireland — mourns with them. A city that fell silent for Scarlett’s funeral now whispers prayers for a family tested beyond measure.

Jason Faulkner carried his sister with love and strength on Friday. On Sunday, he joined her. The images of him as pallbearer will linger as a symbol of brotherly devotion in the face of unimaginable loss.

The Faulkner family’s strength has been remarkable throughout this ordeal. Their vow of justice for Scarlett echoes louder than ever, even as they grieve for Jason.

In the words of one relative: “God help all the poor family.”

As the sun sets on another painful day in Limerick, the message from those closest to the Faulkners is clear — keep this family in your prayers. They have buried one child. Now they must bury another.

Two siblings gone in quick succession. A little girl without her mother. Parents facing the loss of both a daughter and a son in the space of days.

The pain is raw, the grief overwhelming. Yet in the midst of darkness, the Faulkner family’s bond — forged through love, loyalty and now shared sorrow — remains their greatest comfort.

Rest in peace, Jason. Rest in peace, Scarlett. May you both find peace together, and may your family find the strength to carry on.

The reason of death was confirmed as a massive heart attack — but for those who loved him, the true story is one of a brother who carried his sister with dignity, only to be taken far too soon by a broken heart that could bear no more.