Scarlett Faulkner was beaten by a group armed with weapons at the side of the R494 in Birdhill, according to multiple reports. The assault occurred on March 21, 2026, when Faulkner was allegedly struck with an iron bar, as reported by Metro. She suffered catastrophic head injuries in the attack and was subsequently placed in an induced coma at Cork University Hospital, according to sources.
Medical staff made the decision to disconnect Faulkner from her life support machine on Friday, according to sources. She was taken off the machine and died hours later with family members at her bedside, multiple reports indicate. Gardaí continue to investigate the serious assault and confirmed that Scarlett had died, a Garda spokesperson said.
A woman aged in her 40s and a 16-year-old girl have been charged in connection with the assault, according to multiple reports. According to Metro, the 16-year-old is alleged to have been a passenger in a car that pursued and rammed a van that Faulkner and a man were travelling in. When Faulkner ran from the van, she was chased by the girl and allegedly struck across her head with an iron bar at least 11 times, according to court hearing reports from Metro.
Scarlett Faulkner's brother Jason died two days after her funeral, according to major media reports. The incident has shocked the local community and raised concerns about violent crime in rural areas. Authorities are urging anyone with information about the assault to come forward to assist with the ongoing investigation.
Several key questions remain unanswered as the investigation continues. The exact motive for the assault on Scarlett Faulkner has not been disclosed by authorities. The current legal status and next court dates for the woman and teenage girl charged have not been made public.
The full identity and relationship of the man travelling with Scarlett Faulkner during the incident has not been revealed. The Gardaí have not specified whether additional suspects are being sought in connection with the case. The investigation is ongoing, with forensic teams examining the scene and witness statements being collected.