A popular school teacher and semi-professional footballer has died after climbing a mountain alone, an investigation has revealed. Atterton Town central defender Kieran Halliwell, 35, was found unresponsive to a “steep stretch” of Mweelrea in Co Mayo, Ireland, on August 18, 2021.
During a documentary investigation in the Bolton Coroners court, senior coroner Timothy Brenand read a number of statements at the hearing, including one of Kieran’s father, Robert Halliwell. Mr Halliwell described Kieran as his “best friend” and told the court he was “very experienced” in mountain climbing.
In August, Kieran joined a family vacation in Ireland, but decided to stay in the country when everyone else came home so he could climb Mweelrea and then meet friends from university. A friend named Daniel Samon is the last person to see Kieran alive, the investigation revealed.
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In a statement, Mr Sammon said he had advised Kieran that climbing the mountain itself would be “dangerous” for someone who had never done it before. Mr. Samon saw Kieran again just before he climbed Mweelrea and said he was “in good shape” as he left. When Kieran set off, the mountain was clear, but a cloud covered the upper half, Mr. Samon said.
Kieran plays for Atherton Town FC (Image: Bernadette Halliwell)
On August 16, Kieran sent a WhatsApp message to his mother, Mary Halliwell, telling her he had reached the top with a photo.
“We sent him a message that it looked foggy behind him,” Mr Halliwell said. “We didn’t get an answer.”
After more time and they arrived home in Manchester, alarmed Mr. and Mrs. Halliwell reported the missing Kieran to the Garda (Irish police). They also traveled back to Ireland and arrived at 4 am on 18 August.
Huge search efforts include helicopters, drones and dogs, the court heard. Tragically, Kieran’s body was found “around tea,” Mr Halliwell said.
“We were shocked and devastated. We were ashen, we had lost our son.
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“We really don’t know what happened in the mountains or the distance he fell, but we can only assume that he slipped.
After the autopsy, Dr. Tamas Nemeth recorded “pulmonary hemorrhage due to lung contusion and puncture due to traumatic chest injury” as the cause of death. There are no medical episodes involved in Kieran’s death, the investigation revealed.
In his touching statement, Mr Halliwell confirmed that Kieran was born in Billing and grew up in Lee. After graduating from university with a master’s degree in English, he became an assistant professor at the University Hospital in Manchester, working with terminally ill children.
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“He loved his job and found it really rewarding,” Mr Halliwell said.
“He was so well respected that he was often invited to the homes of children cared for by their parents. They loved him, and he responded to that affection. “
At the time of his death, Kieran worked as an English teacher at New Park School in Eccles and lived in Urmston, Mr Halliwell confirmed.
Bolton Coroners Court (Image: MEN Media)
“I am overwhelmed,” Mr Halliwell added.
“I lost my best friend. We did everything together. “
Mr Brenand recorded a conclusion on the “accident”. He said: “I do not want my conclusions to be misinterpreted because I take a critical view or believe that this was a misjudged experience on a challenging mountain.
“He was fit, experienced and well equipped. Therefore, this is just one of the tragedies that can happen to any climber under any circumstances and at any time.
“Kieran died chasing one of his many pastimes. Kieran died living a full life. This simply serves to emphasize the feeling of loss in this case. I hope it will be a consolation to the family and friends of the deceased.
“In her short life, Kieran has given others the advantage of her rich experience, intelligence and inspiration. I sincerely regret their loss and express my condolences. “
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