Full Breakdown
Inquest into Noah Donohoe's Death Begins in Belfast
1/19/2026, 9:56:13 PM
Jury Selection for the Inquest
The inquest into the death of 14-year-old Noah Donohoe commenced with jury selection at Belfast Coroner’s Court. Noah's body was discovered in a storm drain in north Belfast on June 27, 2020, six days after he was reported missing. His family has expressed a desire for clarity regarding the circumstances surrounding his death, which has drawn significant public interest.
Timeline of Events
Noah Donohoe was last seen on June 21, 2020, when he left his home in south Belfast at approximately 5:40 PM. CCTV footage captured him cycling through the city center and later falling from his bicycle. He was reported missing by his mother, Fiona Donohoe, that evening. Following a police appeal, a resident found Noah's bicycle the next day. His body was ultimately located in a storm drain, with a post-mortem examination determining that he died from drowning.
Background and Context
The inquest has been delayed multiple times, initially scheduled for November 2025, but postponed due to concerns about the completion of evidence presentation. The process has taken nearly six years, with numerous preliminary hearings leading up to the current proceedings. Fiona Donohoe has been a vocal advocate for answers, establishing the Noah Donohoe Foundation to support children and young people in Northern Ireland.
Public Interest and Campaign for Answers
The case has garnered widespread attention, prompting a major search operation involving hundreds of volunteers. Public interest intensified after the release of new CCTV footage in October 2025, showing Noah leaving his home in the early hours of June 21, wearing flip-flops and headphones, but returning without them shortly thereafter. This footage has raised further questions about the events leading to his disappearance.
Official Statements & Responses
Fiona Donohoe, representing the family, has stated that the inquest is their "only chance to discover what happened to Noah." North Belfast MP John Finucane expressed his support for the Donohoe family, emphasizing their tireless campaign for truth and justice. Mr. Justice Rooney, the presiding coroner, has cautioned against speculative social media posts that could impact the proceedings.
Criticism of Police Handling
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has faced scrutiny regarding its investigation into Noah's death. Fiona Donohoe has criticized the timing of the release of CCTV footage, questioning the transparency of the police's handling of the case. An independent investigation, funded by public donations and led by journalist Donal MacIntyre, aims to provide additional insights into the circumstances of Noah's death.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the post-mortem concluded that Noah drowned, his family has indicated that the findings raised more questions than answers. The exact timeline of events leading to his death remains unclear, with discrepancies noted in the accounts of his last known movements.
What's Next
The inquest proceedings are expected to continue with opening statements later this week, as the jury is sworn in and evidence is presented. The outcome of this inquest may provide critical answers to the lingering questions surrounding Noah Donohoe's tragic death.
