A west Belfast man has been remembered as a “true gentleman who touched the hearts of everyone he met” after news of his death following a fall from an apartment block in Dunmurry emerged.
Rap artist Malachi McBurney, died at an apartment in Redwood Court area on Wednesday February, 2019.
Mr McBurney, who was in his mid-twenties, was well known in the Belfast music scene as rapper Mal Mc.
He recently took part in an episode of the popular Working Class Podcast.
Mal McBurney AKA Mal Mc rapping
Musician Sean Pol Morris said he was still in shock at the news of his friend’s sudden death.
“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.”
Another of Mr McBurney’s friends, Kevin ‘Kevi Forex’ Finnegan, took to social media to say that he was heartbroken at the news.
Posting a story on his Instagram account he said he had “never met anyone like” Mr McBurney, adding that he was “grateful for all the memories”.
Emergency services at the scene of an ongoing incident in the Redwood Court area of Dunmurry on February 19th 2025 (Photo by Kevin Scott)
Albion Star Football Club, Mr McBurney’s former club, also paid tribute to the west Belfast man on social media.
“Albion Star are deeply saddened to hear of the death of former player Mal McBurney,” a spokesperson said in a post on Facebook.
“Young Mal was introduced to our club through Dave Steele and spent two seasons playing under the guidance of Dave and Gio.
“May Mal’s legacy live on in the memories of those who knew and played with him.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the McBurney and Matthews families at this sad time.
“May he rest in peace.”
A funeral notice said Mr McBurney said he was the “beloved son of Una and Jim much loved brother of Patrick and Orla , much loved uncle and brother-in-law”.
It added that funeral arrangements would be confirmed later adding that his loss was “deeply regretted by his entire family circle.”
Emergency services at the scene of an incident in the Redwood Court area of Dunmurry on February 19th 2025 (Photo by Kevin Scott)
Reacting to the death notice which was published on Thursday evening, one person said: “Honestly heartbreaking one off the most amazing young people I had the pleasure off working with! A truly beautiful soul!”
“So heartbreaking, a character and a gentleman, rest in peace Mal, you’ve left a lot of broken hearts in your wake,” said another.
Police have asked that people refrain from speculating online while they investigate the circumstances of his death.
Emergency services were called to the scene around 3.20pm on Wednesday. Mr McBurney was declared dead shortly after the arrival of the ambulance crew.
The 999 call was made by a resident of the Redwood Court area who witnessed a man falling from the top-floor apartment to the car park below.
The apartment is currently leased to a man, originally from west Belfast, but as yet there is no information about the circumstances of the fall.
Emergency services at the scene in the Redwood Court area of Dunmurry. Picture: Kevin Scott
Police have yet to confirm if their investigation is a criminal one or if they are treating the fall as a tragic accident.
There has been widespread online speculation about the circumstances of the fatal fall.
Circulated posts include a distressing message claiming to be from the dead man posted on Instagram in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
Police remained at the scene in Redwood Court on Thursday.
A detective inspector 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 [Wednesday] 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.
“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.”
Emergency services attend sudden death in Redwood area of Dunmurry