A teenage girl who died at a music festival in Belfast has been pictured for the first time since her death.
The teenager from Carrick-on-Suir, Co Tipperary, was rushed from the event – billed as Ireland’s biggest electronic music festival – to hospital on Sunday but doctors could not save her.
A GoFundMe page to support her family during this tough time has raised an incredible €14,900 (£12,869) in just 11 hours.
Sarah Roche, organiser of the fundraiser, led the tributes to the schoolgirl on the page and posted a picture of the teenager.
She said: ‘We are heartbroken to share the passing of Mia. 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 everyone 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. Any donation will make a difference and is deeply appreciated.’
Mia Keevan, a teenage girl who died at a music festival in Belfast, has been pictured for the first time since her death
She became unwell during the Emerge music festival at Boucher Playing Fields in the south of the Northern Ireland capital (Stock Photo)
Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) Belfast District Commander, Superintendent Allister Hagan said: ‘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.
‘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, 25th 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.
‘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.’
He also confirmed that seven people had been arrested at the music festival for disorderly conduct, assault on police and possession of controlled drugs.
Belfast councillor Micky Murray described the death of the girl as ‘heartbreaking’.
He wrote: ‘Heartbreaking news this afternoon of the death of a teenage girl who attended Emerge last night, and two others in hospital.
‘I have some very serious concerns about this, and as a BCC asset, I’m requesting an urgent meeting w/ Council officers and Emerge reps.’
The teenager from Carrick-on-Suir, Co Tipperary in Ireland was rushed from the event – billed as Ireland’s biggest electronic music festival – to hospital on Sunday (Stock Photo)
Two others at Emerge were hospitalised, including a teenage boy who is expected to make a fully recovery, according to the PSNI.
Meanwhile a woman in her 30s is believed to be in a serious but stable condition in hospital.
More than 70 acts performed over Saturday and Sunday, including Fatboy Slim and Bicep – the electronic DJ duo who hail from Belfast.
The Daily Mail has approached Emerge festival for comment.
