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Two Belfast students have died during Freshers’ Week

Tributes have been paid

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Two students at Ulster University in Belfast have died this week, just four days apart.

19-year-old Niall Laverty died on Thursday 19th September and fellow Ulster University student Eimear Quinn died this Monday, 23rd September.

Niall was found in his student accommodation bedroom in the Holylands last Thursday. A fellow Ulster University student said: "It is so sad about him – he was due to start uni this week."

Niall was a talented Hurler who was described as "one in a million" and someone who "lived his life to the full". A Requiem Mass has been held for him and tributes poured in to mourn his death.

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Niall (centre) with his GAA teammates

Eimear Quinn died this Monday in her student home near Cromwell Road in the Holylands. Eimear's death is not being treated as suspicious.

Eimear's boyfriend Kielan Gillespie posted a picture of them on Facebook shortly after her death with the caption "My angel, I'm sorry, I love you."

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Eimear Quinn and Kielan Gillespie

Speaking out on the deaths, MLA Máirtín Ó Muilleoir told Irish News: “This second death of a student in the Holylands in two weeks should spur all those with a duty of care to our student population to look again at how they are fulfilling their responsibilities.

“I have spent much time in the Holylands and Lower Ormeau over the past ten days as students return to the area and am convinced much more must be done to ensure the wellbeing of our student body."

A spokesperson for Ulster University said: “We are deeply saddened by the sudden death of two of our students and extend our sympathies to the students’ family and friends. We would ask that the privacy of family and fellow students is respected at this difficult time.”

A joint statement has also been released on behalf of Queen's University Belfast and Ulster, which says: “In preparation for the new academic year, Queen’s University and Ulster University and their Students’ Unions have been working together to reiterate the extensive support services available to students to enhance and maintain their health and wellbeing.

"In addition, both universities have been working with BHSCT (Belfast Health and Social Care Trust) on a pilot project to enhance the accessibility of mental health services for students living in Belfast.

"Moving to university is an exciting time but can be a big change for many and we encourage our students at this time to look after themselves and each other. Information on support services available can be found on the both universities’ student wellbeing and Students’ Union websites.”

The Police Service for Northern Ireland have been contacted for comment.