The long-awaited inquest into the death of Belfast teenager Noah Donohoe has moved into its second day of jury selection at Belfast Coroner's Court. The proceedings, which formally begin once a jury is empanelled, aim to probe the unanswered questions surrounding the 14-year-old's tragic death in June 2020.
A Mother's Search for Answers
Fiona Donohoe, Noah's mother, arrived at court earlier, continuing her high-profile campaign for clarity about her son's passing. She has consistently pressed for a thorough investigation and hopes the coroner's inquest, presided over by Mr Justice Rooney, will provide the answers she has sought for nearly six years.
The Circumstances of Noah's Disappearance
The St Malachy's College student vanished on Sunday 21 June 2020, while cycling from his home in south Belfast to meet friends. His disappearance triggered a major search operation, involving hundreds of volunteers from across the city.
Prior to going missing, witnesses reported seeing the schoolboy fall off his bike on the Shore Road. Shortly afterwards, he was seen in the Northwood Road area of north Belfast with no clothes on. Police believe Noah subsequently entered a storm drain in that vicinity.
Six days after he was reported missing, Noah's body was discovered in the drain. The unexplained nature of his death has since attracted significant public interest and speculation.
The Path to the Inquest
The jury selection process is a critical step before the formal inquest hearing can commence. This legal process is tasked with examining the facts of the case in a public forum. The Donohoe family and their supporters have waited patiently for this stage, viewing it as a vital opportunity to establish a definitive account of the events leading to Noah's death.
The case continues to resonate deeply within the community and beyond, highlighting a family's enduring quest for truth and closure.
