Fiona Donohoe with her beautiful son Noah
The remains of the missing teenager was found in a storm drain on Saturday.
Police do not believe there was any foul play in Noah’s tragic death.
The 14-year-old was last seen near the Shore Road in north Belfast last Sunday, June 21 around teatime.
In a statement, his family said: “He was very special. It is very hard to do justice or honour the extraordinary relationship Noah and his mummy shared.”
It added: “In his 14 years his mummy got so much from their special bond, he taught his mummy so much. They were each other’s world.”
The Donohoe family said they needed to “express our heartfelt gratitude for the support, outpouring of love, and empathy we have received”.
“From walking with us, both physically and spiritually, to feeling our pain, we recognise that everyone has lost Noah,” the statement said.
“Noah loved his school and his friends at school, and we know that they will be grieving too and they need to say goodbye too.
“Eventually we will come back to people individually to express our overwhelming gratitude.”
His mother Fiona and the entire family circle “wish to say thank you to each and everyone of you from the bottom of our hearts”.
The family said details of Noah’s funeral will follow.
Noah Donohoe’s mum told him he would ‘change the world’
They released 14 blue balloons, in memory of Noah.
People clapped as the Community Rescue Service volunteers, who looked for Noah, walked past.
A vigil was also held at 6 pm on Sunday at ‘The Tinnies’ sculptures in Strabane, Fiona Donohoe’s home town.
Noah’s school said it was “blessed to have had such an outstanding student and person as a most valued member of our family”.
St Malachy’s College said Noah’s “caring nature, calm demeanour and big smile were some of his great gifts that helped others do their best”.
The school said that Noah was a talented musician and keen rugby and basketball player.
He also received a number of awards in his three years at the school, including The Spirit of the College Award, full attendance and class prizes.
“We are all deeply saddened at Noah’s passing away, and we offer prayers for and support to his mother, Fiona, family members, friends and also his extended family – all of us associated with St Malachy’s College,” the statement added.
“Noah will always be a treasured member of our Malachian family.”
Fiona Donohoe and wonderfully talented son Noah
Speaking on behalf of the Diocese of Down and Connor, he offered his sympathies to the family.
He also paid tribute to those who helped with the search for Noah.
“Those who have assisted in the search for Noah and the wider community have come to learn about the life of a talented, loving and gifted young man who brought so much joy and blessing to his family, his friends, his classmates and teachers in St Malachy’s College, and all those who knew him,” Bishop Treanor said.
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