Two deaths investigated after Belfast dance festival

Investigations are continuing after two young people died and two remain in hospital after attending the Emerge dance music festival in Belfast at the weekend.

Mia Keevan, 17, from County Tipperary in the Republic of Ireland, took unwell at the event and died shortly afterwards in hospital.

In a separate incident 24-year-old Trae Keenan, from County Down, died in rented accommodation in the city centre a few hours after the event ended.

Shine productions, which organised the festival, has been approached for comment.

Emerge music festival is the biggest dance music event in Northern Ireland.

It usually takes place over the August bank holiday weekend at Boucher Playing Fields in south Belfast and attracts crowds of about 40,000 dance music fans each day.

This year the festival was headlined by Fatboy Slim on Saturday and Bicep on Sunday, while Sammy Virji, Fjaak, Sonny Fodera and Danny Howard were also on the line up.

Mia was visiting Belfast from Carrick-on-Suir to attend the event.

Investigations are still continuing into what caused her death.

Belfast district commander Supt 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.”

Sarah Roche, who is raising money for Mia’s family, posted on an online fundraising page to say the teenager was 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 every room she walked into,” she said.

“Her laughter and warmth will never be forgotten by those lucky enough to have known her.”

Belfast City Council, which operates Boucher Playing Fields, said it “was deeply saddened by the death” and added that it sent “sincere condolences to the young person’s family at this difficult time”.

Mr Keenan also attended the festival and took unwell and died after he returned to his rented accommodation in Belfast.

He worked as a chef and had a four-month-old son.

In a funeral notice he was described as a “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”.

Speaking to the Irish News, Shanice said the family was devastated following his death.

“Trae was someone that would do anything for anyone,” she said.

“He was very funny, very strong-hearted. He had the biggest smile you could ever see. He had so much stride in his walk.

“The whole town just loved him; everyone adored him.

“It still doesn’t feel real. It’s horrible.

“From his videos and stuff, he had the best night, he really did. But it is terrible how it ended.”

The Irish News reported Mr Keenan had previously suffered from heart complications and asthma.

The family told the newspaper he had suffered a panic attack and his death was not linked to drugs.

Police are still investigating both deaths and said a number of arrests were made over the weekend.

Supt Hagan said several organisations – including the Police Service of Northern Ireland and Belfast City Council were involved with making sure the festival passed off safely.

He said officers made seven arrests over the weekend and issued three fixed penalty notices, one caution and nine community resolution notices.

He said offences included disorderly behaviour, drink-driving, assault on police and possession of controlled drugs.

Alliance Party councillor for the Balmoral area, Micky Murray, said he has spoken to the family of Mia Keevan.

“You can only imagine what you would be going through if you were in their position. They really are heartbroken,” he said.

Murray told BBC News NI that he met the organisers of Emerge on Tuesday to talk over the incident.

“They put on these music festivals because they have a love of live music and they want to bring it to people,” he said.

“They are devastated this has happened on their watch.”

The councillor added Belfast City Council was to hold a “debrief” with Emerge and other key stakeholders on Wednesday.

“What this has done is open up a public conversation about how we keep young people safe when they go to these festivals.”