‘Bright and outgoing’ teenage girl dies after attending music festival

A 17-year-old girl who ‘touched the hearts of anyone who knew her’ has died at a music festival.

Mia Keevan, from Tipperary, Northern Ireland, died in hospital after becoming unwell at Emerge on Boucher Playing Fields in Belfast on Sunday.

Family friend Sarah Roche, who has organised a fundraiser for Mia’s family, described her as a ‘fun and much-loved girl’.

She wrote: ‘We are heartbroken to share the passing of Mia.

‘A bright, fun and much-loved girl who touched the hearts of anyone who 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.

‘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.’

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.’

The PSNI confirmed they had made seven arrests over the weekend at the festival.

Mia is the second person confirmed to have died at the event, after Trae Keenan, 24, became suddenly unwell and died after attending.

The dad-of-one is believed to have suffered a cardiac arrest after having a panic attack returning to his Airbnb nearby.

A woman in her 30s and a teenage boy were also taken to hospital after becoming ill.

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.’

Metro has contacted Emerge for comment.

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