Noah Donohoe Inquest: Jury Delivers Verdict
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"My son was failed" – Inquest Finds Tunnel Errors Possibly Contributed to Noah Donohoe’s Death
By Kevin Sharkey, Hayley Halpin, and Abigail Taylor, BBC News NI
Published 15 September 2026, 11:35 BST
Updated 2 minutes ago
The jury in the Noah Donohoe inquest has concluded that it was possible, but not probable, that failings by the Department of Infrastructure (DfI) over the tunnel where he died contributed to his 14-year-old son’s death.
Key Findings:
- The jury determined the DfI had failed to identify a hazard at the site and there was no warning sign.
- They also identified numerous failings in the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s (PSNI) investigation but ruled these did not directly contribute to Noah’s death.
Noah’s Mother’s Reaction:
Noah’s mother, Fiona Donohoe, expressed disappointment, stating her son had been "failed by both the department and police."
Solicitor’s Comment:
Their solicitor echoed this sentiment, describing her as having suffered "indignity after indignity."
PSNI Response:
The PSNI acknowledged a "complex and challenging investigation," with Assistant Chief Constable Davy Beck emphasizing that "no action that police could have taken" would have prevented Noah’s death. He encouraged reflection on lessons learned.
Infrastructure Minister’s Pledge:
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins expressed her sympathies to Noah’s family, promising to ensure the department learns from its mistakes.
Backstory:
- Noah Donohoe, 14, went missing on June 21, 2020, after leaving his home on his bicycle.
- Six days later, his body was found in a water tunnel in Belfast, with the cause of death determined as drowning.
- The case sparked widespread speculation, with no conclusive evidence about why Noah was naked and without his possessions.
Inquest Verdict:
Following a five-day deliberation, the nine-member jury (seven men and two women) had ten questions to answer, ultimately delivering their verdict.
