A jury selection is currently taking place for the inquest into the death of Noah Donohoe, a Belfast schoolboy. Noah, aged 14, was reported missing on June 21, 2020, after last being seen pedaling his bicycle towards Cave Hill to meet friends.
Discovery of Noah’s Body
His body was located in a storm drain in north Belfast on June 27, 2020, six days after his disappearance. A post-mortem examination established that Noah had drowned. However, his family expressed that the findings prompted further questions regarding the circumstances surrounding his death.
Timeline of Events
- Missing Date: June 21, 2020
- Body Found: June 27, 2020
- Last Known Sighting: June 21, 2020, around 19:00 BST
Details of the Incident
On the day he went missing, Noah set out from his home on Fitzroy Avenue around 17:41. CCTV footage captured him traveling along the Ormeau Road, reaching Royal Avenue by 17:50. At approximately 17:59, he was seen falling from his bike.
During his ride, Noah discarded some items, including his rucksack and mobile phone. Reports indicate that at one point, he was seen cycling without clothing. His mother reported him missing at 21:44 that same night.
Search Efforts and Community Involvement
The local community joined forces to search for Noah after his family raised the alarm. A resident discovered his bicycle the following evening, prompting police involvement.
Impact of the Inquest
The inquest, overseen by Mr. Justice Rooney, is critical for Noah’s family, who seek clarity on the events preceding his death. Legal representatives have highlighted the importance of the inquiry in addressing their numerous questions. The inquest was initially scheduled to commence on November 3.
Warnings Regarding Speculation
As the inquest approaches, Justice Rooney cautioned against speculative comments on social media, emphasizing the potential legal repercussions of such posts.
Next Steps
If the jury selection is not completed on the designated Monday, the process will continue the following day. The community remains engaged as they await further developments in the case of Noah Donohoe.
