TRIBUTES have been paid to a tragic teenager who died suddenly over the weekend after attending a music festival.
Tipperary native Mia Keevan, 17, passed away in hospital after attending the Emerge festival in Belfast’s Boucher Playing Fields on Sunday.
Mia Keevan passed away in hospital after attending the Emerge festivalSocial Media Collect
The event took place over two days at Belfast’s Boucher Playing FieldsArthur Allison/Pacemaker Press
Trae Keenan also died suddenly after attending the music festival
Today the PSNI confirmed they are continuing to investigate the death of the young girl who became unwell during the event.
Two others – a woman in her 30s and a teenage boy – were also taken to hospital after falling ill at the same festival, which took place over two days.
As the police probe continued, Tipperary county councillor David Dunne has told how Mia’s family would be well known in Carrick-on-Suir.
Cllr Dunne said: “She was in her late teens.
“There is a great shock and sadness in the community and our hearts go out to the family, and we will rally behind them as we always do.”
Pal Sarah Roche has organised an online fundraiser for Mia’s devastated family.
Sarah said: “We are heartbroken to share the passing of Mia.
“A bright, fun and much loved girl who touched the hearts of anyone that knew her. Mia was such an outgoing person and lit up everyone room she walked into.
“Her laughter and warmth will never be forgotten by those lucky enough to have known her.
“At this difficult time we are coming together to support Mia’s family with the unexpected costs they face and to give them space to grieve without added financial worry. Any donation will make a difference and is deeply appreciated.”
PROBE ‘ONGOING’
In an update today, the PSNI revealed an investigation is “ongoing” into the teenager’s death.
It was also confirmed seven arrests were made over the two days of the event.
PSNI Belfast District Commander, Superintendent Allister Hagan, said: “During the event it was reported that a 17-year-old girl had become unwell. Sadly, she subsequently died in hospital.
“Police remained on the event site until Monday afternoon, 25 August. An investigation in order to establish the circumstances surrounding the tragic sudden death of this young person is ongoing, and our thoughts are with the family and friends of the deceased.
‘UTTERLY HEARTBREAKING’
“Police will continue to work closely with event organisers and the licensing authority to ensure that events remain safe and enjoyable for all of those who attend.”
Following the tragedy, Belfast councillor Micky Murray has called for an urgent meeting with representatives from Emerge festival.
The Alliance rep said: “This is utterly heartbreaking news, and my sincere condolences are with the loved ones of the young individual who has tragically lost their life in these circumstances.
“I also wish for a full and speedy recovery for the other individuals who have been taken to the hospital and are reported to have attended the festival as well.
‘NO ONE EXPECTS SUCH A TRAGIC INCIDENT’
“Festivals are meant to be safe spaces for people to celebrate their love of music and express themselves, no one expects such a tragic incident to occur in this environment.
“The circumstances of the situation remain unclear, and as a representative on Belfast City Council, I have requested an urgent meeting with Council officers and representatives from Emerge festival.
“I urge people not to speculate, as the police have stated that enquiries are still ongoing.”
Meanwhile, tributes were paid to young dad Trae Keenan, 24, who also died suddenly after attending the music festival.
SECOND TRAGEDY
Trae passed away after becoming unwell at an apartment he was renting with three friends.
The father-of-one had earlier attended the Emerge festival in Belfast with pals.
Trae had not been ill at the event on Saturday and returned to the AirBnb rented apartment at the Victoria Place complex in Wellwood Street, south Belfast.
But cops and the ambulance service were later called to the flats after the young man became unwell on Sunday morning.
‘CHERISHED FATHER’
It is believed that Mr Keenan suffered a cardiac arrest after having a panic attack.
Devastated family have remembered Trae, from Newcastle, Co Down, as a “cherished father” and “dearly beloved son”.
A family notice told how the young dad “passed away suddenly at Royal Victoria Hospital”.
Relatives described him as “dearly beloved son of Pamela and John and cherished father of Mason, loving brother of Shanice, Tyler, Claire, and Toni and loving partner of Tiffany, uncle to Harper and Fiadh, grandson of Gerry and Geraldine”.
‘SADLY MISSED’
A family notice added: “Trae will be sadly missed by all those who knew him, his nieces, nephews, the entire family circle, friends, neighbours and the parish community.”
Trae’s funeral Mass is to be held on Friday at Our Lady of the Assumption Church in Newcastle.
Mr Keenan will be laid to rest in St Patrick’s Cemetery, Bryansford, following the service.
A PSNI spokesperson said: “Police attended an address in the Wellwood Street area of Belfast city centre on Sunday morning, in support of colleagues from Northern Ireland Ambulance Service.
“A man aged in his 20s was taken to hospital, and later died.
“Enquiries are ongoing and a post-mortem examination will take place in due course.”
Belfast councillor Micky Murray has called for an urgent meeting with representatives from Emerge festivalArthur Allison/Pacemaker Press Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
