A MAN who died after a fall from an apartment block has been named locally as Mal McBurney.
Mr McBurney, a rapper from west Belfast known as Mal Mc, was pronounced dead at the scene of the incident at Redwood Court, Dunmurry in Northern Ireland on Wednesday, February 19.
A resident of the apartment block called 999 after seeing a man falling from a flat on the top floor into the car park.
The report was made at around 3.20pm yesterday.
Tributes have poured in for the 25-year-old, who was well-known on social media and around the community.
Sean Pol Morris said: “He was a true gentleman who touched the hearts of everyone he met.
“Mal was a man who loved his music and anyone who knew him will never forget his dance moves, his rapping skills, his iconic sunglasses and his easy way of making everyone laugh.
“He was always lifting all our spirits with his humour. He wasn’t just a friend, he was a supporter of everyone around him. Mal prayed for everyone and wished the best for all.
“He was harmless, pure and brought light into every room he entered.
“Wee Mal Mc truly was one of a kind.”
DJ Tommy Twin said: “Condolence to the family and friends of young Mal. He always chatted away no matter where I saw him, be it working in the bars or DJing.
“Genuinely a good young fella trying to find his way in life and wanted to bring some laughs and joy to people on his social media pages.
‘VERY SAD’
“On Friday, I caught up with him while I gigged in the Beehive and of course he had me do his dance move with him.
“Very sad to hear this news tonight. Rest easy Mal.”
Sean Doherty, from Beechmount Residents’ Collective, said: “Sad news for West Belfast with the death of a young man.
“I only met wee Mal a few times and he came to our community Open Mic night for a dance and a chat with the team. He was always full of life.
‘GENUINE LOSS’
“Thinking of his family and friends at this sad time.”
Various tributes on his TikTok profile mentioned Mr McBurney as “missed by many” and “one of life’s good guys”, as well as “a genuine loss to the world” and a “wee legend”.
The PSNI said they remain at the scene of the “sudden death” today.
They added in a statement that “enquiries are ongoing” regarding the circumstances surrounding the death and appealed for people on social media not to speculate while they carry out their investigations.
‘EARLY STAGES’ OF PROBE
PSNI Detective Inspector Mark Bell said: “We are in the very early stages of our investigation to ascertain the circumstances and a post mortem examination will be progressed in due course.
“To assist with our investigation, we would appeal to the public to come forward with any information they may have in relation to this incident.
“Were you in the Redwood Court area yesterday between 12 and 4pm and witnessed any persons in the area which could assist our investigation?
“I am also aware of speculation on social media platforms connected to this incident.
‘CAUTION AGAINST ANY SPECULATION’
“I would caution against any speculation and ask that if you have any information that could assist us to get in contact.
“If you have CCTV, dashcam or other footage that may be useful to officers, please contact us via 101 or online at http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ and quote reference number 1100.
“Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/.”
Yesterday, DUP MLA said the community was left in “deep shock” following the incident.
‘DEEP SHOCK’
He added: “I am genuinely shocked to hear what has happened here today in what is a very settled community.
“The whole community has been left in deep shock and my thoughts and prayers are with the family of the person involved.”
Sinn Fein councillor Declan Lynch added: “I am shocked and saddened to learn that a man has lost his life in Dunmurry on Wednesday.
“I want to express my sympathies and thoughts with the man’s loved ones as they come to terms with this heartbreaking news.
“Police remain at the scene this morning as enquiries continue and I would call on anyone with information to contact the police.”
