Home / Crime and Justice / Experts rule drowning in Noah Donohoe death, third party unlikely
Experts rule drowning in Noah Donohoe death, third party unlikely
11 Mar
Summary
- Pathologists found no evidence of third-party violence in Noah Donohoe's death.
- Noah, 14, was found dead in a storm drain six days after disappearing.
- Experts agree drowning was the cause of death; head bruising noted.
An inquest has heard that experts found no direct evidence of violence from a third party in the death of Noah Donohoe, 14. Noah disappeared on June 21, 2020, from Belfast, Northern Ireland, and his body was discovered six days later in a storm drain. Three experts, including the pathologist who performed the post-mortem examination, agreed that drowning was the likely cause of death.
During the proceedings at Belfast Coroner's Court, jurors were shown a picture of Noah's body. Pathologists discussed a "broad area of bruising" across his forehead, which they agreed occurred while he was alive. However, they stated this bruising was not consistent with weapon impact and could have resulted from hitting a broad, flatish surface.
Forensic pathologists indicated that Noah's behavior prior to entering the culvert, such as cycling naked, could be consistent with acute drug intoxication or psychosis. They noted that while drug use was a possibility, it could not be definitively ruled out due to limitations in toxicological screening days after death.
The experts concluded that Noah was alive when he entered the water and likely died closer to the time of his disappearance. They reiterated that while direct violence could not be entirely ruled out by pathological evidence, there was no positive indication of it.
