Inquest into Belfast Schoolboy Noah Donohoe's Mysterious Death Begins

Published 22 January 2026

Highlights

• The inquest into the death of 14-year-old Noah Donohoe, who was found in a Belfast storm drain in June 2020, has begun, with his mother, Fiona Donohoe, providing emotional testimony.
• Fiona Donohoe expressed concerns about the Police Service of Northern Ireland's investigation, questioning if evidence was overlooked.
• Noah's disappearance led to a large-scale search, with CCTV showing him cycling through Belfast, discarding personal items, and entering a Protestant enclave.
• The coroner's court heard that Noah's death was due to drowning, with no evidence of foul play, though his actions were deemed out of character.
• The inquest is expected to continue until late March, with the public urged to avoid social media speculation that could affect proceedings.

The inquest into the tragic death of Noah Donohoe, a 14-year-old schoolboy from Belfast, has commenced, seeking to unravel the circumstances surrounding his disappearance and subsequent drowning in a storm drain in June 2020. The proceedings began with a poignant testimony from his mother, Fiona Donohoe, who described her son as having a "lust for life and learning."

Emotional Testimony from Fiona Donohoe

In a prerecorded statement presented to the coroner's court, Fiona Donohoe recounted her deep bond with Noah, highlighting his academic ambitions and love for music and sports. She expressed pride in his determination to succeed despite their low-income background. Fiona also voiced concerns about the Police Service of Northern Ireland's (PSNI) investigation, questioning whether crucial evidence had been overlooked.

Fiona's testimony included a harrowing account of the phone call she made to police on the night of Noah's disappearance. She described her growing anxiety as Noah failed to return home, noting that he had been "up and down" emotionally in the days leading up to his disappearance. She also mentioned his attachment to the book "12 Rules for Life" by Jordan Peterson, which he carried with him.

The Search and Discovery

Noah's disappearance on June 21, 2020, prompted a massive search effort involving hundreds of volunteers. CCTV footage revealed that Noah had cycled through Belfast, discarding his rucksack, phone, and clothing before entering a Protestant enclave, an area he was not known to frequent. His body was discovered six days later in a storm drain on Northwood Road.

Peter Coll KC, counsel for the coroner, informed the jury that the bars on the storm drain were spaced widely enough for Noah to pass through. A postmortem examination confirmed drowning as the cause of death, with no signs of foul play. However, Noah's actions were described as uncharacteristic by those who knew him.

Legal Context and Public Caution

Mr. Justice Rooney, presiding over the inquest, urged the jury to remain impartial and base their findings solely on the evidence presented in court. He also cautioned the public against engaging in social media speculation that could prejudice the proceedings. The inquest is expected to continue until late March.

What this might mean

As the inquest progresses, it may shed light on the unanswered questions surrounding Noah Donohoe's tragic death. The findings could have significant implications for the PSNI, potentially prompting a review of their investigative procedures. The case has already sparked widespread public interest and debate, highlighting the need for transparency and thoroughness in handling missing person cases. Depending on the inquest's outcome, there may be calls for policy changes or further investigations to ensure justice for Noah and his family.