The inquest into the tragic death of St Malachy’s College pupil Noah Donohoe has heard significant testimony from a group of medical experts. Three pathologists, including the specialist who conducted the initial post-mortem, informed the jury at Belfast Coroner’s Court that there was no evidence of 'direct violence' from a third party. The experts agreed that the likely cause of death for the 14-year-old was drowning, with evidence suggesting he was still alive when he entered the water within a north Belfast storm drain in June 2020.
During the proceedings, the jury reviewed statements from Dr Peter McSorley, who first examined Noah’s body, and Dr Marjorie Turner, the consultant forensic pathologist who performed the post-mortem. Dr Turner reported significant bruising across Noah’s forehead, which she described as resulting from a 'significant blunt impact' with a broad, flat surface rather than a weapon. While Noah had been seen falling from his bicycle on CCTV earlier that day, the pathologists suggested the head injury likely occurred inside the storm drain, as his helmet would have offered protection during the initial fall on the road.
Former state pathologist Professor Jack Crane and Home Office consultant Dr Nathaniel Cary joined Dr Turner in a joint statement, concluding that Noah likely died much closer to the time of his disappearance than when his body was discovered six days later. They noted that the condition of his lungs was consistent with drowning and that the absence of certain physical changes suggested he had been deceased for some time before being found. While the experts discussed the possibility of an 'acute psychotic episode' to explain Noah’s behavior prior to entering the drain, they noted that limitations in toxicological analysis several days after death meant certain substances could not be entirely ruled out, despite a negative initial drug test.
The court also heard about the physical conditions Noah faced, including the presence of silt and the potential for hypothermia to cause disorientation. Counsel to the coroner, Peter Coll KC, and the presiding judge, Mr Justice Rooney, ensured that Noah’s mother, Fiona Donohoe, was supported throughout the presentation of this difficult medical evidence. The community continues to follow the proceedings closely as the inquest seeks to provide a definitive account of the circumstances surrounding Noah’s death. The inquest is scheduled to resume on Wednesday.