Teenage Girl and Father of Infant Die, 2 Others Become Ill amid Music Festival, Prompting an Investigation

Police in Northern Ireland have launched an investigation after two people died in connection with a popular music festival in Belfast.

According to BBC, the Irish News and Belfast Media, 17-year-old Mia Keevan from County Tipperary, Ireland, became sick at the Emerge music festival and later died at a nearby hospital. Just hours after the event ended, 24-year-old Trae Keenan from County Down, Northern Ireland, also died at a rental property.

Two other festival attendees also fell ill and remain in the hospital, the outlets reported.

“During the event, it was reported that a 17-year-old girl had become unwell. Sadly, she subsequently died in hospital,” police superintendent Allister Hagan said in a statement.

A spokesperson also told the Belfast Telegraph that a man in his 20s — later identified as Keenan — “was taken to hospital, and later died.” Authorities said a post-mortem will be carried out.

Hagan confirmed that police made several arrests during the two-day event but did not link them directly to the deaths. “Officers made seven arrests over the weekend and issued 13 immediate disposals — three Fixed Penalty Notices, one Caution and nine Community Resolution Notices,” he said. Offenses included disorderly behavior, driving under the influence, assaulting police, and drug possession.

Police urged the public not to speculate until the coroner completes the investigation. “First and foremost, we need to remember that at the center of this debate there are two grieving families,” Hagan told Belfast Media.

Keenan’s family told the Irish Times they do not believe his death was drug-related.

According to BBC, Emerge is Northern Ireland’s largest dance music festival, drawing about 40,000 people each day. This year’s lineup featured Fatboy Slim, Bicep, and other EDM and techno performers.

A GoFundMe page set up for Keevan’s family described her as a “bright, fun and much-loved girl who touched the hearts of anyone that knew her.” At her funeral in Carrick-on-Suir, her sister Kyah said Mia was “the happiest she had ever been” and remembered her as someone full of laughter, energy, and big dreams. Father Paul Waldron told mourners, “She lived her adventures … she was clever, cheeky, and mischievous in the best of ways.”

Keenan, who recently worked as a chef, was remembered at his funeral as an “adventurous young man” with a passion for sports and a deep love for his family. He leaves behind his partner Tiffany and their baby son, Mason.

Police said they will continue safety efforts at large events, such as drug amnesty bins, rapid testing of seized substances, and working with health officials to reduce risks. Festivalgoers are encouraged to look out for each other and seek medical help immediately if someone feels unwell.