An inquest jury has viewed surveillance footage of a teenage boy riding his bike naked just before he disappeared. Noah Donohoe, 14, was discovered deceased in a storm drain in June 2020, six days after leaving his home on a bike to meet friends in Belfast. The inquest is investigating the circumstances surrounding Noah’s disappearance and death and has reviewed nine minutes of footage from the evening he vanished.
The footage shows Noah leaving his apartment building with his bike, wearing a helmet and backpack. He is then seen cycling through the city center and heading north. In the last clip before his disappearance, he is observed riding the bike without clothes.
A witness, Donna Blain, testified that she saw Noah after he fell from his bike on the same evening. She reported the incident to the police during the search for Noah and provided a statement 10 months later. She mentioned seeing Noah picking up his bike after the fall and looking embarrassed before cycling away, leaving his coat behind.
A friend, Charlie Rocks, described Noah as friendly, inquisitive, and cheerful. He stated that they never discussed storm drains or underground tunnels, and Noah seemed optimistic about the end of lockdown. Rocks also shared that Noah had grown more open about his mental health during the pandemic, showing signs of emotional growth.
During the inquest, messages between Noah, Rocks, and another friend were presented, indicating Noah’s evolving thoughts and interests. Rocks revealed that Noah had offered him a self-help book but denied knowing that Noah occasionally stayed alone in his apartment.
When questioned about Noah’s sexuality and relationships, Rocks clarified that Noah appeared to be heterosexual. Messages between Rocks and Noah discussing a mutual interest in a girl were also shown, highlighting their friendship and mutual respect.
The inquest delved into Noah’s mindset before his disappearance, with testimony emphasizing his positive demeanor and personal development. The jury continues to gather evidence to understand the events leading to Noah’s tragic death.