Tributes to ‘beautiful boy’ Aaron Doherty who tragically passed away in hospital on Tuesday

Tragically, teenager Aaron Doherty, who was from the Derry City and Strabane District Council area, is the youngest person to die in Northern Ireland within 28 days of testing positive for Covid-19.

A friend of the Doherty family who knew Aaron well described him as a “great wee lad who had the best smile you would ever see”.

Aaron’s former football club, Ballymoor FC, expressed their sadness at the news.

“Sad news today to hear of the passing of former Ballymoor player, Aaron Doherty.

“Taken too soon - RIP Aaron,” said the club.

Aaron, who was from the Creggan area of the city, will be laid to rest after Requiem Mass in St. Columba’s Church, Long Tower on Friday at 11.00am.

Sadly, due to ongoing coronavirus restrictions, Aaron’s wake and funeral are strictly private for immediate family only.

In total, the DoH recorded nine additional Covid-19 deaths in the last 24 hours - 0-19 years-old (one); 60-79 years-old (five) and 80 years-old and above (three).

Five of the deceased were female and the remaining four were male.

Four of those to die were from the Derry City and Strabane District Council area; two in Belfast City Council area; one in Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Council area; one in Newry Mourne and Down Council area and one in the Mid Ulster Council area.

A further 840 new infections were also detected in the last 24 hours.

There are currently 352 patients in hospital with Covid-19.

There are 14 intensive care unit beds available throughout Northern Ireland - there are currently 44 patients with Covid-19 in ICUs in Northern Ireland.

A total of 680 people have died within 28 days of testing positive for Covid-19.