Monika Kubasiewicz, a 33-year-old Polish mother, and her newborn baby girl were found dead in their bathroom at Blackthorn Close, Greenhill Village, Carrick-on-Suir, County Tipperary, Ireland, on May 8, 2026. Gardaí believe she suffered fatal complications during childbirth, and authorities have ruled out foul play.
Monika’s partner discovered her and the infant in the bathroom around 1 p.m. on Friday and immediately contacted emergency services. Paramedics and Gardaí arrived quickly, but both were pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators believe the deaths occurred several hours earlier, during the birthing process. A post-mortem on Monika was completed, while one for the baby was scheduled for the following week. Gardaí confirmed they are preparing a file for the coroner and treating the case as a medical tragedy rather than a criminal matter.
Monika had only recently moved into the Carrick-on-Suir home with her partner and their two young children, aged four and three. The family had previously lived in Clonmel, where they ran a shop near the train station until the COVID-19 pandemic forced its closure. After spending time in emergency accommodation, they relocated to Greenhill Village about three months before the tragedy.
Originally from Świebodzice in southwestern Poland, Monika had lived in Ireland for several years. Neighbors described her as a quiet, kind mother devoted to her children. Local residents expressed shock and grief, noting that the family was well-liked in the community. One neighbor remarked on the unbearable thought of two small children waking up without their mother.
Authorities emphasized that no healthcare professionals were present during the home birth. Gardaí have stated that their focus is on compiling findings for the coroner, and they have appointed a family liaison officer to support Monika’s grieving relatives. Community leaders, including Sinn Féin councillor David Dunne, urged residents not to speculate or spread unverified information, stressing the need for sensitivity in the wake of the tragedy.
The deaths of Monika and her newborn have deeply affected Carrick-on-Suir, where prayers were offered at weekend Masses. The incident highlights the risks associated with childbirth complications and the devastating impact such tragedies can have on families and communities. Gardaí continue to investigate the circumstances, but all indications point to a sudden medical emergency during delivery.