On the weekend of August 23-24, 2025, Belfast’s Boucher Playing Fields pulsed with the electrifying beats of the Emerge dance music festival, Northern Ireland’s largest electronic music event. Drawing crowds of around 40,000 each day, festival-goers flocked to see international headliners like Fatboy Slim and Belfast’s own Bicep. Yet, as the music faded and the crowds dispersed, the city was left reeling from the sudden deaths of two young attendees and the hospitalization of two others, casting a somber shadow over what was meant to be a celebration of music and community.
Seventeen-year-old Mia Keevan, from Carrick-on-Suir in County Tipperary, had traveled from the Republic of Ireland to attend the festival with friends. According to BBC News, Mia became unwell during the event on Sunday, August 24, and was rushed to hospital, but tragically could not be saved. Superintendent Allister Hagan of the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) confirmed, “During the event it was reported that a 17-year-old girl had become unwell. Sadly, she subsequently died in hospital.”
In a separate incident just hours later, 24-year-old Trae Keenan, a chef from Castlewellan, County Down, also died after attending the festival. As reported by The Irish News and Belfast Telegraph, Trae became unwell at his rented apartment in Belfast’s city center. Despite being taken to the Royal Victoria Hospital, he passed away early Sunday morning. His family described him as a “dearly beloved son of Pamela and John and cherished father of Mason, loving brother of Shanice, Tyler, Claire and Toni and loving partner of Tiffany.” His sister Shanice told The Irish News, “Trae was someone that would do anything for anyone. He was very funny, very strong-hearted. He had the biggest smile you could ever see. He had so much stride in his walk. The whole town just loved him; everyone adored him. It still doesn't feel real. It's horrible. From his videos and stuff, he had the best night, he really did. But it is terrible how it ended.”
Initial reports suggest that Trae, who had a history of heart complications and asthma, suffered a cardiac arrest following a panic attack. His family was quick to clarify that his death was not linked to drugs, a point echoed by police sources. A post-mortem examination was planned, with the PSNI stating, “Enquiries are ongoing and a post-mortem examination will take place in due course.”
The sense of shock and loss reverberated through both communities. In Carrick-on-Suir, Tipperary county councillor David Dunne expressed, “There is a great shock and sadness in the community, and our hearts go out to the family. And we will rally behind them, as we always do.” Meanwhile, the Keenan family in County Down prepared for Trae’s funeral, scheduled for Friday, August 29, at Our Lady of the Assumption Church in Newcastle.
The festival itself, organized by Shine Productions, is a highlight of the Irish music calendar. This year’s edition boasted more than 70 acts across two days, with the likes of Fatboy Slim, Bicep, Sammy Virji, Fjaak, Sonny Fodera, and Danny Howard gracing the stage. Yet, as Daily Mail noted, the event’s aftermath was marred by tragedy and concern for public safety.
In addition to the two deaths, two other festival attendees were hospitalized. A woman in her 30s remained in serious but stable condition, while a teenage boy was expected to make a full recovery, according to police statements quoted by Belfast Telegraph. The PSNI maintained a visible presence at the festival, remaining on site until Monday afternoon, August 25, as investigations continued. Superintendent Hagan explained, “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.”
Law enforcement was kept busy throughout the weekend. Seven arrests were made for offenses including disorderly behavior, drink-driving, assault on police, and possession of controlled drugs. Officers also issued three fixed penalty notices, one caution, and nine community resolution notices. Superintendent Hagan emphasized the collaborative efforts behind festival safety, noting that “several organizations – including the Police Service of Northern Ireland and Belfast City Council – were involved with making sure the festival passed off safely.”
The deaths have prompted calls for a thorough review of festival safety protocols. Micky Murray, Alliance Party councillor for the Balmoral area, told BBC News NI, “You can only imagine what you would be going through if you were in their position. They really are heartbroken.” Murray added that he had spoken to Mia’s family and met with festival organizers to discuss the incident, stating, “They put on these music festivals because they have a love of live music and they want to bring it to people. They are devastated this has happened on their watch.” The councillor confirmed that Belfast City Council planned a debrief with Emerge and other key stakeholders on Wednesday, August 27, to address concerns and discuss measures for keeping young people safe at future events.
Tributes have poured in for Mia Keevan, with friends and family describing her as a “bright, fun and much-loved girl who touched the hearts of anyone that knew her.” Sarah Roche, who organized an online fundraiser for the Keevan family, wrote, “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.” The GoFundMe campaign quickly gained momentum, raising nearly €15,000 within hours to support the family with unexpected costs, as reported by Daily Mail. Roche emphasized, “Any donation will make a difference and is deeply appreciated.”
Belfast City Council, which operates Boucher Playing Fields, expressed its condolences, stating it was “deeply saddened by the death” and sent “sincere condolences to the young person’s family at this difficult time.” The festival organizers, Shine Productions, have yet to issue a public statement, but the incident has sparked a wider public conversation about the responsibilities of event organizers and the importance of safeguarding attendees, especially young people.
As the city mourns, the focus now turns to the ongoing investigations and the lessons that can be learned to prevent such tragedies in the future. For the families of Mia Keevan and Trae Keenan, and for the thousands who danced under Belfast’s summer sky, the memories of this year’s Emerge festival will be forever tinged with loss and reflection.
