Noah Donohoe's family, still struggling to deal with the sudden death of the 14-year-old schoolboy two years ago, has suffered further tragedy.
Ronan Donohoe (41) "passed away peacefully in the arms of someone who always loved him", Fiona Donohoe, the mother of Noah, wrote on social media following the death of her brother, who lived in Co Wicklow.
It is understood Mr Donohoe died of natural causes. Gardaí did not attend the scene and were not otherwise involved following his death on Wednesday in the village of Tinahely near the Carlow border.
A death notice described Ronan as the "loving brother of the late Siobhan, sadly missed by his loving parents Gerry and Margot, Linda, brother Gearoid, sisters Shona, Niamh and Fiona, nieces, nephews and life-long friend Ambrose, extended family, relatives and many friends".
His sister Niamh led tributes on social media, announcing with "profound sadness" the "passing of our precious Ronan". He was an "adored son, brother, uncle, cousin, friend".
"I genuinely can not convey how completely devastated we are at our darling Ronan's passing, and are taking comfort and solace in each other & the many (hilarious) great memories he left us," wrote Niamh.
"He was a legend we will miss forever. Ronan was our precious diamond in the rough; a soul that is now at rest with so many people we love... his beautiful nephew Noah, big sister Siobhan, adoring Auntie Joe. On behalf of the entire family circle; we are grateful beyond words for all the messages of love and support at this time. We are utterly devastated."
She added elsewhere: "I can not even convey our heartbreak at this time. On behalf of our entire family circle thank-you for the love & support. Our beautiful baby brother is finally at peace."
Fiona and her wider family were propelled into the glare of the public spotlight following the June 2020 death of Noah, who was found in a storm drain in north Belfast six days after he went missing.
Thousands gathered recently for a rally in Belfast to protest against the decision by Secretary of State Shailesh Vara to sign a public interest immunity (PII) certificate following a request by the PSNI.
Coroner Joe McCrisken will decide following a private hearing whether the information covered by the PII be withheld from being aired at an inquest into Noah's death, scheduled for November 28. Mr McCrisken will see all the material in non-redacted form before deciding to approve the police request.
The Donohoe family oppose the use of the PII certificate and have called for police files relating to the investigation to be released in full.
