Limerick Mother-of-Four Dies After Cosmetic Surgery in Turkey

UPDATE: A tragic incident has emerged as Lydia O’Donoghue, a 38-year-old mother-of-four from Limerick, has died from a blood clot following cosmetic surgery in Turkey. This urgent case highlights the risks associated with such procedures, especially when combined with air travel and substance use.

According to an inquest held at Limerick Coroner’s Court, O’Donoghue underwent liposuction and buttock augmentation surgery on April 16, 2025, and tragically passed away exactly one week later, on April 23, at University Hospital Limerick. The autopsy revealed that the fatal blood clot was directly linked to her recent surgery, along with factors including drug use and subsequent air travel.

On the day of her surgery, O’Donoghue shared a TikTok post with the caption: “Surgery day new booty pending.” She returned to Ireland, but soon experienced severe complications. Her husband, Jonathan O’Donoghue, reported that she collapsed in their kitchen after complaining of swelling in her legs. Despite his desperate attempts at CPR for 20 minutes, she was pronounced dead shortly after arrival at the hospital.

The autopsy report indicated significant levels of cocaine in her system, raising questions about the role of substance use in her tragic death. Pathologist Dr. Teresa Laszlo confirmed that cocaine, along with diazepam, was present, although no alcohol was detected. The coroner stated that the combination of recent surgery, drug use, and air travel significantly increased her risk of developing a blood clot.

The coroner, John McNamara, concluded that O’Donoghue’s death was a case of misadventure, emphasizing that she never intended for this outcome. He noted that the nature of blood clot-related deaths can be very sudden, leaving families devastated.

O’Donoghue leaves behind her four children, including her eldest son, who turned 20 years old on the day she died. Family and friends described her as a vibrant individual who loved music and fashion, and her funeral Mass celebrated her as a wonderful mother who brought joy to those around her.

This heartbreaking story serves as a reminder of the potential dangers involved in cosmetic procedures, especially when post-operative care and lifestyle choices are not adequately addressed. As the inquest continues, the family is left to mourn the loss of a beloved wife and mother, raising awareness about the risks associated with cosmetic surgery abroad.

The community in Limerick is rallying to support the grieving family, with many expressing their condolences and sharing memories of O’Donoghue’s lively spirit. This tragic incident underscores the importance of thorough medical evaluation and cautious decision-making when considering cosmetic enhancements.

Stay tuned for further developments in this story as authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding this devastating loss.