Emma Mhic Mhathúna, one of the women at the center of Ireland’s cervical cancer controversy, has died at the age of 37.
The Co Kerry mother-of-five was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2016 after receiving two false smear test results from US-based lab Quest Diagnostics. Earlier this year, she was told her cancer was terminal.
Read More: Irish Mom victim of cervical cancer scandal reveals cancer has spread to her brain
In May, Mhic Mhathúna, a vocal public figure in the CervicalCheck crisis, settled her case against the HSE and Quest Diagnostics for €7.5 million.
There have been 221 women in Ireland affected by the cervical cancer scandal.
RTÉ reports Mhic Mhathúna died at University Hospital Kerry on Sunday, October 7.
In a statement, her family said she died in the "knowledge that she had helped to shine a light on important issues which affected not just her own life, but the lives of many others.”
"Emma's unending and unwavering commitment to her children means that her abiding legacy will be that of a great mother. However, Emma will also be remembered as someone who fought for social justice in an exceptionally selfless way during times of great personal challenge."
President Michael D Higgins said in a statement: "I was greatly saddened to hear that Emma Mhic Mhathúna has died.
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"When I met her and her children in May, I was greatly struck by her poise and bravery, in the midst of what was a very difficult time for her family and friends.
"On behalf of the people of Ireland, I send my condolences to her family, friends, the wider community in West Kerry, and to all those who have shared Ms. Mhic Mhathúna's journey as she battled the disease."
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