PSNI probing the death of man (26) found lying outside own apartment

POLICE are investigating the circumstances surrounding the sudden death of a man in Londonderry on Monday.

Ronan ‘Doc’ Doherty (26) was found outside his apartment in the newly opened Balinska Heights block at Northland Road in Derry.

Police said a post-mortem will be carried out to determine the cause of his death.

Son of Michael and Kathleen Doherty, he was one of seven children originally from Garden City.

Independent councillor Darren O’Reilly said people were in shock.

“It is a very sad time for the family and local community,” he said.

“It is a difficult time for them and his friends to deal with this tragic news. Just looking at the reactions of social media, he was a popular young man.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Doherty family at this sad time.”

Just 20 months ago Mr Doherty almost died after being injured in an incident.

In February 2017 he spent several days in a coma and was given only a 50% chance of survival after being seriously injured at a house in Rosemount Avenue in the city.

Yesterday friends took to social media to pay tribute to an “absolute gentleman” who was “always smiling”.

“God only takes the best young,” wrote one.

“It will never be the same down here again without you. You were an absolute gentleman, always smiling and it was a privilege to know you and call you a friend. Rest in peace.”

Tributes: Ronan Doherty

Another wrote: “RIP Ronan. You fought so hard. I’ll always remember our wee chats in the Northlands. Rest easy, wee man.”

And another friend wrote “RIP Ronan, I didn’t know you that long but you definitely put up a hard fight.

“But sometimes life just isn’t easy.”

The PSNI said that an investigation into the death was under way.

“Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the sudden death of a man in the Balinska area of Derry/Londonderry,” she said.

“A post-mortem is due to take place to determine the cause of death.”

Mr Doherty’s funeral will leave from his parent’s home at Clagan Cottages in Claudy tomorrow at 9amtotraveltoStMary’sChurch in Creggan for Requiem Mass at 10am.