Noah Donohoe Inquest: Harrowing Conditions in Storm Drain Revealed

Belfast Coroner’s Court continues to hear evidence in the inquest of Noah Donohoe, the 14-year-old St. Malachy’s College student found dead in a storm drain in north Belfast in June 2020. Recent testimony has focused on the perilous conditions within the tunnel network, painting a stark picture of the environment Noah may have experienced.

“Absolutely Frozen” – Former Inspector Details Tunnel Conditions

Retired Inspector Menary, formerly of the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) Hazardous Environment Search (HES) team, described the conditions inside the storm drain as “horrendous.” He testified that anyone entering the tunnel without protective clothing would have been “absolutely frozen.” RTÉ reports that Menary detailed how even with a sealed flood suit, water penetrated the suit during a search operation, chilling him to the bone.

Search Operation Initially Focused on Finding Noah, Not Recovery

Menary explained that the initial search, conducted on June 25th, four days after Noah went missing, was a search operation, not a body recovery operation. At that stage, there was “no evidence” to suggest Noah had entered the storm drain system. The team was initially focused on identifying anything “strange or out of the ordinary” within the culvert network.

Physical Exertion and Disorientation

Counsel for the coroner, Declan Quinn, questioned Menary about the physical demands of traversing the tunnel from the entrance at Northwood Linear Park to the area searched beneath Seaview football pitch. Menary responded that the constant exposure to water and cold would lead to disorientation and a slowing of movement. He emphasized the difficulty and danger of navigating the tunnel without appropriate protection. Belfast Live

“Heartbreaking” to Consider Noah’s Experience

Menary stated it was “heartbreaking” to contemplate Noah traveling through the storm drain tunnel, describing the section under the football pitch as “fairly horrendous.”

Ongoing Inquest and Previous Evidence

The inquest, now in its fourth week, has previously heard evidence regarding eyewitness accounts of Noah’s final bike journey, including reports of him cycling “totally naked.” Irish News also reported on initial police actions and the discovery of Noah’s phone. The cause of death has been determined as drowning following a post-mortem examination.

The inquest continues at Belfast Coroner’s Court.