Newly released CCTV footage has shed light on the final moments of Noah Donohoe before his disappearance in June 2020. The footage shows the 14-year-old boy leaving his home in south Belfast in the early hours of Sunday, June 21, 2020.
CCTV Footage Details
The footage reveals that Noah exited his residence on Fitzroy Avenue around 03:34 BST. He was wearing flip-flops, a t-shirt, and shorts, and was carrying headphones. However, approximately 34 minutes later, he was seen returning home barefoot and without his headphones, suggesting a sudden change in circumstances.
Timeline of Events
The sequence of events captured on CCTV includes:
- 03:34 BST: Noah leaves his home.
- 04:08 BST: Noah is seen returning barefoot on University Street.
- He was walking towards Queen’s University, having initially turned right upon leaving his house.
The footage poses several questions regarding Noah’s whereabouts during that time frame. The coroner, Mr. Justice Rooney, is urging anyone with information about his movements or his missed belongings to come forward.
Coroner’s Appeal for Information
The coroner’s request particularly focuses on the need to understand:
- Where Noah was headed that morning.
- If he met anyone during his time away.
- The fate of his flip-flops and headphones.
- If he had similar outings in early hours previously.
Community Reaction and Family Statements
Noah’s mother, Fiona Donohoe, expressed her frustration over the timing of the footage’s release. She remarked on social media, “As you can imagine this is beyond difficult but it needs to be shared.” Donohoe questioned why the footage was not disclosed earlier, especially during the week Noah went missing.
Inquest Status
The investigation into Noah’s death has been ongoing. Initially hired to oversee the inquest, Senior Coroner Joe McCrisken recused himself, and the process has faced significant delays. An inquest was postponed until 2026, following a history of preliminary hearings. A post-mortem examination indicated that Noah’s death was attributed to drowning.
Last year saw large community support for the Donohoe family, as thousands protested in Belfast, seeking answers and transparency related to the investigation.
The release of this CCTV footage marks a significant moment in the investigation, as efforts continue to piece together the circumstances surrounding Noah Donohoe’s untimely death.
