The Faulkner family from Limerick is enduring an unimaginable double loss after the sudden death of Jason Faulkner, just days after he served as a pallbearer at his sister Scarlett’s funeral. Scarlett Faulkner, 29, passed away in hospital on April 13, 2026, three weeks after she was allegedly assaulted with an iron bar on a road in Birdhill, Co Tipperary. Her funeral took place on Friday, April 17, at St Munchin’s Church in Limerick, where her brother Jason was among those who carried her coffin.

In a devastating turn, Jason Faulkner, in his 30s and from Longpavement Halting Site, was found dead on Sunday, April 19, with his body recovered from the Abbey River in Limerick. No official cause of death has been confirmed at this time, though the family is mourning the sudden loss. Jason’s remains will now be laid to rest alongside his sister Scarlett at Meelick Cemetery in south-east Clare.

Funeral arrangements for Jason have been announced. His funeral Mass will take place at 11am on Friday, April 24, at St Munchin’s Church — exactly one week after Scarlett’s service at the same location. He will lie in repose on Thursday from 2pm to 4pm at Cross’s Funeral Home. Following the Mass, his burial will occur at Meelick Cemetery, reuniting the siblings in their final resting place.

The family has shared their profound grief through relatives and social media. A cousin, Melissa McCarthy, posted a moving tribute: “My heart, 2 days after burying your sister Scarlett, you’re gone now Jason, her lovely brother.” The family has also issued a plea for prayers for their parents, Bonnie and Mary, and the entire extended family as they face this second tragedy in such a short time. They have warned against fake fundraising pages attempting to exploit the situation.

On Wednesday evening, members of the Faulkner family, friends, and neighbours plan to release balloons outside their homes at Longpavement Halting Site in memory of both Scarlett and Jason. The community in Limerick and beyond has expressed an outpouring of sympathy, with many describing the events as “cruel and shocking.”

Scarlett’s death followed a serious assault on March 21, after which she was left in critical condition. Two individuals — a teenage girl and a woman in her 40s — have appeared in court in connection with the incident. Her funeral was marked by tributes to her “beautiful smile” and the love she shared with her large family, which includes 16 siblings.

Jason’s role as a pallbearer highlighted the close bond between the siblings. Just two days after helping lay his sister to rest, he was gone, leaving the family to process yet another profound loss. The rapid sequence of events has left many in the Traveller community and wider Irish public reeling, with questions lingering about the circumstances surrounding both tragedies.

This double bereavement underscores the fragility of life and the heavy burden families can face in quick succession. The Faulkner family has requested privacy and continued prayers as they navigate the upcoming funeral and the difficult days ahead. Their strength in the face of such sorrow has been noted by those offering condolences, with many emphasizing the importance of community support during times of unimaginable pain.

As the second funeral approaches, the focus remains on honoring both Scarlett and Jason. Their burial side by side at Meelick Cemetery will serve as a final, poignant reunion for the brother and sister who were taken far too soon. The story has resonated widely, reminding everyone of the importance of cherishing loved ones and offering kindness in the face of tragedy.

The Faulkner family’s plea is simple yet powerful: keep them in your thoughts and prayers as they say goodbye once more. In the midst of grief, the community’s response has shown the enduring spirit of solidarity that often emerges in Ireland during the hardest moments.

This heartbreaking chapter in Limerick serves as a solemn reminder that life can change in an instant. As Friday’s funeral Mass brings the family together again at St Munchin’s Church, the hope is that Scarlett and Jason find peace together, and that their loved ones receive the strength needed to carry on.