Tributes pour in online after death of tragic Lee Johnston - as funeral being held today

Countless messages of sympathy have been posted for family after the death o Lee Johnston in Co Londonderry.
By Gemma Murray
Published 24th Oct 2023, 11:37 BST
Updated 24th Oct 2023, 11:39 BST

This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement.

Lee JohnstonLee Johnston
Lee Johnston
Read More
The post mortem examination held after a body was found in Maghera has concluded

According to Funeral Times the service for the 21-year-old is taking place today in Maghera.

The death notice says: “Updated Arrangements for the late Lee Johnston R.I.P. (Maghera & formerly Coleraine)“Beloved son of Liam and Maud and loving brother of Stephen, Leanne, Abbie and the late Paul and Dylan.“Funeral from McKiernan’s Funeral Home on Tuesday 24th October 2023 at 2:15pm for 3pm Graveside Service and committal in Coleraine Cemetery.“Rest in Eternal Peace”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Online more than one hundred of messages have been posted on the undertaker McKiernans Funeral Directors' by family and friends.

His sister Leanne Johnston says: ‘My wee man. Aww, I’m going to miss you so much. You took a big piece off me with you for ever.’

Other messages add: ‘You wee darling you are safe now fly high’, ‘Thoughts and prayers will all the family R.I.P Lee’, ‘So sorry to hear this sad news, I can’t imagine the grief you are all plunged into,, thinking of you all at this difficult time ahead’ and ‘My heart goes out to all of lees family and friends at this sad time. Yous haven't left my mind and my thoughts and prayers are with you all another young life gone to soon rest in peace Lee’.

The death of Lee is not the first tragedy to hit the family as his brother Paul Johnston died in Magilligan prison in 2017.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

An investigation by the Prisoner Ombudsman found the 27-year-old did not intend to take his own life and his death was drug-related.

A post-mortem examination of the 21-year-old’s remains concluded that his death was not suspicious, but enquiries are ongoing.

A PSNI spokesman said: “Following the discovery of a body in Maghera by police searching for high risk missing person Lee Johnston, a post mortem examination has concluded.

Superintendent Michael O’Loan, District Commander for Mid Ulster, said: “Police can confirm that this is the body of the high risk missing person Lee Johnston. His death is not being treated as suspicious at this time.“Our thoughts today are very much with Lee’s family and friends as they mourn his loss.”

Related topics:Maghera