Two deaths investigated after Belfast dance festival | UK News

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 Co Tipperary took unwell at the event and died shortly afterwards in hospital.

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

Shine productions, who organised the festival, have been approached for comment.

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

It usually takes places over the August Bank Holiday weekend in Boucher Playing Fields in South Belfast and attracts crowds of around 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 Keevan, 17, from Carrick-on-Suir in Co Tipperary, was visiting Belfast to attend the festival.

Investigations are still continuing into what caused her death.

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,” he said.

Sarah Roche, is raising money for Mia’s family and on an online fundraising page she posted that Mia 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. Her laughter and warmth will never be forgotten by those lucky enough to have known her,” she said.

In a statement Belfast City Council, who operate 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”.

In a separate incident 24-year-old Trae Keenan, from Newcastle in County Down, also attended the festival.

After returning to his rented accomodation in Belfast he took unwell and subsequently died.

Trae worked as a chef and had a four month old son.

In a funeral notice Trae is 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, his sister Shanice said the family is completely devastated following his tragic death.

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

“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 reports Mr Keenan had previously suffered from heart complications and asthma.

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

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

Belfast District Commander, Superintendent Allister Hagan, said: “As with all large-scale events, a range of agencies were involved in supporting the safe delivery of the festival. Police were present across the weekend, working in partnership with organisers and Belfast City Council to help ensure the safety of those attending.

“Over the course of the two day event, local police were supported by specialist officers from a range of units including from Air Support, Tactical Support, Dog Section and Roads Policing.

“Officers made seven arrests over the weekend and issued thirteen immediate disposals – three Fixed Penalty Notices, one Caution and nine Community Resolution Notices. Offences included disorderly behaviour, driving whilst unfit through excess alcohol, assault on police and possession of controlled drugs.”

“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.”

Councillors at Belfast City Council have called for an emergency meeting with the event organisers to discuss what happened over the weekend.