The inquest into the death of 14-year-old Belfast schoolboy Noah Donohoe has entered a harrowing phase with the release of CCTV footage showing his last known movements—cycling completely naked through the streets of north Belfast mere hours before he vanished. Six days later, in June 2020, Noah’s body was discovered in a storm drain, sparking years of speculation, public protests, and demands for transparency. Now, in January 2026, the jury at Laganside Courthouse has viewed nine minutes of non-continuous CCTV clips that trace his journey from home to disappearance, culminating in the disturbing final image of the teenager pedaling without clothes.
Noah, a pupil at St Malachy’s College, left his apartment on Fitzroy Avenue on the evening of June 25, 2020, on his bike to meet friends in the Cavehill area. He wore a cycling helmet and carried a backpack. Early footage captures him cycling through the city centre and heading north. A key witness, motorist Donna Blain, later told police she saw Noah fall from his bike on North Queen Street while driving from Shore Road. He appeared embarrassed, looked around, lifted the bike, left his coat on the ground, and cycled off. Blain, who contacted authorities during the missing period but gave a formal statement 10 months later, noted no visible injuries.
The most shocking clip—the last before Noah disappeared—shows him riding naked. The footage, described as non-continuous, leaves a gap in understanding what happened next. Noah was found dead six days later in a storm drain in north Belfast. The discovery fueled widespread concern, with his mother Fiona Donohoe campaigning relentlessly for answers about police handling, evidence delays, and the circumstances leading to his death.
Testimony from Noah’s closest friend, Charlie Rocks, painted a picture of a bright, eccentric, and sociable teenager. Rocks described Noah as “the nicest, friendliest person, funniest person” and “the smartest kid, always asking questions.” He knew everyone at school and appeared upbeat, looking forward to lockdown ending. Rocks noted Noah became “more eccentric” during adolescence and the Covid transition but saw no immediate mental health concerns. Noah once mentioned feeling “blue,” but Rocks viewed his growing openness about emotions as positive. They discussed girls and shared interests; Rocks was unaware Noah occasionally stayed overnight alone in his Belfast apartment. On sexuality, Rocks said Noah was straight from what he knew, and they talked about liking the same girl.
Social media messages between Noah, Rocks, and friend Jay Tierney were reviewed, including Noah recommending Jordan Peterson’s 12 Rules for Life (which Rocks declined). Rocks emphasized their deep friendship and Noah’s importance to him. No evidence suggested interest in storm drains, tunnels, or underground exploration; Rocks said Noah would have shared such fascinations openly during lockdown chats.
The inquest, originally set for November 2025 but postponed to January 2026 due to evidence volume, heard Fiona Donohoe’s initial 999 call and pre-recorded statement. She expressed concerns about Noah’s mental health that day, noting he had been crying in his room. The jury—nine men and two women—expects proceedings to continue into March, with more CCTV, expert testimony on the storm drain, and further witnesses.
Noah’s disappearance triggered massive searches and public outcry over perceived investigative shortcomings. Protests in 2022 and 2025 drew thousands demanding transparency. Fiona established The Noah Donohoe Foundation in his memory. The case has raised questions about adolescent mental health, lockdown impacts, and institutional responses.
The naked cycling footage remains unexplained. Theories range from disorientation or distress to other factors, but no definitive cause of death has been publicly confirmed in recent hearings. The coroner appealed for information on Noah’s movements, belongings, and possible early outings. The jury must determine how Noah came to die, amid ongoing scrutiny of CCTV gaps, storm drain access, and police actions.
For Fiona and supporters, the inquest offers hope for clarity after years of torment. Noah’s legacy—once defined by tragedy and suspicion—now focuses on his intelligence, kindness, and the unanswered questions that still haunt Belfast. As testimony continues, the CCTV of a boy riding naked into the unknown stands as the most haunting image yet, a silent plea for the truth.
