A close friend of Noah Donohoe has provided crucial testimony at the ongoing inquest into the teenager's death, stating categorically that the 14-year-old never demonstrated any interest in storm drains or underground exploration.
Friend's Direct Testimony Contradicts Speculation
Charlie Rocks, who described himself as Noah's closest friend, gave evidence at Laganside Courthouse in Belfast today, directly addressing questions about Noah's possible fascination with underground spaces. Mr Rocks attended St Malachy's College in Belfast with Noah and told the hearing with certainty: 'He never mentioned to me anything about storm drains or going underground or being in tunnels.'
The friend elaborated further, explaining that if Noah had developed such interests, he would have discussed them openly. 'If he had have been interested in these things, he would have talked about them as he would always have spoken about things that he was interested in throughout lockdown,' Mr Rocks testified.
Mental State Before Disappearance
When questioned by counsel to the coroner, Peter Coll KC, about whether he had concerns about Noah's state of mind before his disappearance, Mr Rocks responded clearly: 'Noah is very eccentric as a person, and I think some of the last conversations we had before he passed were certainly eccentric. I think that was because of the transitional period he was going through.'
However, the friend emphasized that he had no immediate concerns at the time, and even looking back now, he still doesn't believe there were warning signs that might have predicted the tragedy.
Character Description and Emotional Development
Mr Rocks provided a detailed character portrait of his friend, describing Noah as the 'nicest, friendliest person, funniest person' who was friendly with everyone in school. 'He wasn't the type of person to be in the popular friend group, but he knew everyone,' the friend recalled.
Significantly, Mr Rocks noted that Noah was becoming 'more open' about his mental health during the Covid-19 lockdown period. 'He was starting to grow up and think more about his emotions. He was definitely changing, which was great,' he told the hearing.
Background to the Tragic Case
Noah Donohoe was just 14 years old when he was found dead in a storm drain in north Belfast in June 2020, six days after leaving his home on Fitzroy Avenue on his bicycle. He had been traveling to meet friends in the Cavehill area when he disappeared after cycling to the Shore Road on the afternoon of 21 June.
His mother, Fiona Donohoe, has led a high-profile campaign for answers about her son's death since the tragedy occurred nearly four years ago. The inquest represents a significant moment in her quest for understanding what happened to her son.
Inquest Proceedings and Timeline
This marks day six of the highly anticipated inquest into Noah's death, which began hearing evidence last Thursday following a three-day jury selection process at Belfast Coroner's Court. The proceedings were originally scheduled to begin in November 2025 but were pushed back due to concerns that evidence wouldn't be completed before Christmas.
The coroner has informed the jury that they expect the inquest to continue until the end of March, indicating the complexity and thoroughness of the examination into the circumstances surrounding Noah's death.
Initial evidence presented last week included Fiona Donohoe's original 999 call and her pre-recorded statement, setting the foundation for what promises to be a detailed examination of the events leading to the teenager's tragic death.
The inquest continues with further testimony expected in the coming days and weeks as the court seeks to establish the full circumstances of Noah Donohoe's disappearance and death.
