An inquest will be held next year into the death of Armagh man Patrick Fearon, who died during an attempt to rescue a young woman from Belfast’s River Lagan in 2023.
Mr Fearon, aged 30, entered the river after throwing a life-ring to the woman. The source report says she was ultimately saved after securing herself to the ring, but Mr Fearon did not make it out of the water.
Two-day inquest scheduled
Mr Fearon was removed from the River Lagan at approximately 2.30am on May 5. Paramedics then worked for close to two hours to try to save him, but he was pronounced dead at 4am.
A preliminary hearing took place at Laganside Court in Belfast on Tuesday, October 6. The Coroner agreed to schedule a two-day inquest for February 4 and 5, 2027, and suggested a review hearing on November 25.
Move from Armagh to Belfast
Mr Fearon had only recently moved to Belfast from Armagh, relocating the month before his death. He had previously returned to Armagh after spending a number of years studying and working in Scotland.
The inquest is expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the death of the Armagh man, whose actions helped ensure the young woman reached safety. The source report describes his actions as selfless and heroic.