Scottish Hospitals Inquiry via SuppliedAn investigation has been launched following the death of a woman seven years after she became seriously ill with a hospital-linked infection contracted as a teenager.
Molly Cuddihy, who was diagnosed with metastatic Ewing’s sarcoma when she was 15, died on Tuesday in the High Dependency Unit at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital.
The 23-year-old had been in hospital for seven weeks during which time she developed hospital-acquired infections, her family said.
It is understood that her death was reported to prosecutors by a doctor.
Between January 2018 and 2020, Ms Cuddihy was cared for at the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow (RHC) and the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH), where she was fitted with a line for treatment.
Ms Cuddihy developed septic shock while being treated for a rare cancer at the hospital, an experience she described while giving evidence to the Scottish Hospitals Inquiry.
On Thursday, the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) confirmed her death is being investigated.
A spokesperson said: “The Procurator Fiscal has received a report on the death of a 23-year-old woman in Glasgow on 26 August, 2025
“An investigation into the death is ongoing and significant developments will be shared with the family throughout the investigation.”
‘I was made sicker by the environment’
In 2021, Ms Cuddihy gave evidence to an inquiry investigating the construction of the QEUH campus, which includes the Royal Hospital for Children.
The Scottish Hospitals Inquiry was launched after issues at the flagship site were linked to the deaths of two children, including ten-year-old Milly Main.
Earlier this year, an independent review found the fatalities were at least in part the result of infections linked to the hospital environment.
Not long into her chemotherapy, Ms Cuddihy said her body went into septic shock – a life-threatening condition which occurs when blood pressure drops to a dangerously low level after an infection.
She was soon diagnosed with mycobacterium chelonae, an infection in her line that she later discovered came from the hospital environment – air or water-borne – and that had probably caused her temperature spikes and fits.
STV NewsMs Cuddihy told the inquiry she experienced “frightening” fits and said she had to take a “very strong” course of antibiotics she likened to bleach to treat the infection.
“I was made sicker by the environment,” she told the inquiry in October 2021.
“The medication had horrible side-effects. I thought chemo was bad, but this was something else.
“I got a prolonged QT interval with my heart. This is when my heart pumps out the blood, but then doesn’t fill up fast enough, so I would often collapse.”
The inquiry, chaired by Lord Brodie, continued on Thursday, where a tribute was paid to Ms Cuddihy following her death.
Lord Brodie said: “Before we begin today’s session of the hearing, I would like to say it is with great sadness we learned of the passing away of Molly Cuddihy.
“Ms Cuddihy gave evidence to the inquiry in the first of our hearings in 2021.”
“It was evident from that testimony that she was a young woman of great courage, great determination, and clear intelligence
“Our thoughts are with her family today.”
‘She was a special soul’
Ms Cuddihy’s family have led tributes to her, describing her as a “special soul” who worked hard to help others despite her illness.
“It is with broken hearts that we share the passing of our beloved daughter Molly. She was a special soul who brought light, love, and kindness into the lives of so many around her. What we will always treasure is the way she touched others; often without ever realising just how truly extraordinary she was.
“We are devastated by her loss and struggling to comprehend a world without her gentle presence. To us, she will forever be our precious girl: deeply loved, irreplaceable, and always remembered.
“Despite her illness, Molly worked to help other young patients and was involved in podcasting and fundraising, helping to raise more than £300,000 to improve the lives of fellow cancer patients.”
NHS via SuppliedKirsten Watson, CEO of Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity, was among those paying tribute.
She said: “We are heartbroken at the loss of our cherished friend and colleague, Molly.
“Her devotion to helping children in hospital will always be remembered, and the courage she showed throughout her own journey will remain an inspiration to us all. Our thoughts are with Molly’s family and friends.”
Pride of Scotland said that her “legacy will never be forgotten”.
A statement read: “We’ve just been told some heart-shattering news that has deeply saddened all of us here at Pride of Scotland.
“The incredibly brave and inspirational Molly Cuddihy sadly passed away yesterday. We cannot even begin to imagine the pain and sadness Molly’s family are feeling right now.
“Molly, along with her dear friend Sara Miller, won the TSB Community Hero Award last year. The two met as teenagers while undergoing cancer treatment at Glasgow’s Royal Hospital for Children.
“What began as a friendship in the hospital’s teen common room grew into something extraordinary.
“Drawing strength from their own journeys, Molly and Sara raised a remarkable £300,000 to transform care for young patients – funding a new social and recovery space, essential equipment, and giving others a better experience than they had.
“Molly’s courage and legacy will never be forgotten and she will be deeply missed.”
An NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde spokesperson said: “Our deepest condolences are with the family of Molly Cuddihy during this extremely difficult time.
“To respect patient confidentiality we are unable to provide further comment.”
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