Pathologists testifying at the Belfast Coroner’s Court inquest into the death of 14-year-old Noah Donohoe found no evidence of trauma to his brain. Dr Marjorie Turner, Dr Nathaniel Cary, and Professor Jack Crane stated the cause of death was drowning. They noted he likely died near the time of his disappearance on June 21, 2020.

Noah Donohoe, a St Malachy’s College pupil, left home on his bike that day to meet friends in the Cavehill area of north Belfast. His naked body was found six days later on June 27, 2020, in a storm drain tunnel.

The experts identified diatoms in his lungs, a sign of drowning in natural water. Dr Turner requested a water sample from the storm drain for diatom comparison, but PSNI did not supply it. Documents record a PSNI officer discussed the request with Dr Turner and arranged collection. A later note states former Coroner McCrisken advised in early July that no sample was needed. Dr Turner said she did not direct that no sample was required.

Toxicology tests showed no drugs. Dr Turner noted tests cover a wide range but miss some designer drugs, and certain drugs degrade after death. Dr Cary linked Noah’s pre-death naked cycling, seen on CCTV, to patterns in acute psychotic episodes from his case experience.

The pathologists saw no brain abnormality beyond light exterior bruising. They agreed no post-mortem findings indicated assault or third-party involvement. Dr Peter McSorley attended the body recovery scene on June 27, 2020.

The three experts deferred questions on Noah’s behaviour and drug effects to psychiatrists and toxicologists, who will testify later. The inquest, now in its seventh week, resumes on Friday.