Northern Ireland

West Belfast family left 'numb' by death of second child to suicide

Annaleece McAlorum (17) died on Friday at the Royal Victoria Hospital, three days after attempting to take her own life
Annaleece McAlorum (17) died on Friday at the Royal Victoria Hospital, three days after attempting to take her own life Annaleece McAlorum (17) died on Friday at the Royal Victoria Hospital, three days after attempting to take her own life

A West Belfast family hit by a second suicide tragedy is calling for answers after their teenage daughter died days after attempting to take her own life in a care facility.

Annaleece McAlorum, who was 17 and from the Lagmore area, died at the Royal Victoria Hospital on Friday with her family, including parents Michael and Sharon, at her beside.

She died three days after attempting to take her life in Beechcroft Child and Adolescent Mental Health Unit, where she was being treated.

Annaleece McAlorum's older brother, Reece (21) took his own life in October 2017. He is pictured with his son, Rylie
Annaleece McAlorum's older brother, Reece (21) took his own life in October 2017. He is pictured with his son, Rylie Annaleece McAlorum's older brother, Reece (21) took his own life in October 2017. He is pictured with his son, Rylie

Her family say they have been left “numb” by the tragic loss which comes five years after her brother also died by suicide.

Reece McAlorum (21), a father-of-three who was engaged to be married, died in October 2017.

In 2020, his family were informed that they had to exhume his remains from a grave at Belfast City Cemetery and rebury them somewhere else due to a change of circumstances within the wider family circle.

Annaleece’s ashes will be buried beside those of her brother at a plot in Milltown Cemetery following cremation tomorrow.

Annaleece McAlorum pictured on her 16th birthday with her parents, Sharon and Michael
Annaleece McAlorum pictured on her 16th birthday with her parents, Sharon and Michael Annaleece McAlorum pictured on her 16th birthday with her parents, Sharon and Michael

Family friend Sabrina McVeigh told The Irish News that the family had questions about Annaleece’s death.

She said the teenager developed mental health difficulties at the age of 14 and had been in and out of the south Belfast care facility a number of times.

“This was where she was going to get the help,” she said.

“The counselling, the group sessions, the therapy, to help her. This was a safe place.

“How did this happen in a place where Annaleece was supposed to be safe?

“Her family have questions which need to be answered.”

Mrs McVeigh said everyone had been left “numb”.

“It is not knowing how to help and not knowing what to say to a mother who has gone through this twice. Everybody is just numb.”

Mrs McVeigh said Annaleece, a former pupil of St Colm’s High School in Twinbrook, dreamed of becoming a mental health nurse because she “wanted to make a difference”.

“No matter what she was going through in her own mind, if any of her friends needed to talk, she was there.

“She was comical. If she has something she wanted to say to you she would just say it.

“Even when she was going through all that, her bubbly side still would have come out.”

Mrs McVeigh hit out at the lack of mental health services in Northern Ireland and said those with difficulties were being “passed from pillar to post”.

A spokesman for the Belfast trust, which offered “heartfelt condolences to the family”, said it would be conducting “a full investigation with the family’s involvement”.

For help contact the Samaritans on 116 123, the charity Pips on 028 9080 5850 or 0800 088 6042, or Lifeline on 0808 808 8000.