The Co. Tyrone teenager is understood to have taken his own life after being tricked into posting images to a popular social media website.
The student from St. Joseph's Grammar School in Donaghmore was a keen GAA player who had reported incidents of cyber bullying to both his parents and police prior to his tragic demise.
Commenting on the the teen's death, Mid-Ulster District police commander Superintendent, Mike Baird, said: "Our enquiries into this tragedy are continuing, however, it is understood the schoolboy took his own life after he had been tricked into posting images on a social networking site. Police are continuing to liaise with a number of statutory bodies and community representatives."
In the aftermath of the tragedy, police officials have appealed to students to exercise caution when using social media websites, saying: "If anyone has experienced anything of a similar nature or has received any inappropriate images or links, it is important that they contact police or tell a trusted adult."
Speaking on behalf of the community, parish priest Fr. Benny Fee lamented Ronan's passing and insisted that a number of elements played a role in the teen's death, saying: "He did not take his own life. His life was taken by these faceless people who put the child into a burning building that he felt he could not escape. It is a total and absolute tragedy but it is a different kind of tragedy because there is an element of cyber-crime involved."
Ronan's sudden passing has touched many in the tightknit community of Coalisland, with tributes pouring in for the teen who played goalkeeper for local gaelic football team, Clonoe O'Rahilly.
Expressing their grief at their teammate's sudden passing, the club issued a statement saying: "He was a quiet and modest young lad who was popular among all players and coaches. His death has left a dark shadow hanging over our club."
Acknowledging the devastation felt by Ronan's grief stricken family, Fr. Fee added: "It would frighten any of us how children can be the victim of these faceless individuals. These people had something that they were using as a lever to frighten the child."
Ronan, who is survived by his parents, brother and sister, will be laid to rest tomorrow.
