The Girl in the Water: New RTÉ doc follows family’s relentless search for answers after daughter’s death

The Girl in the Water: Kelly Lynch

A young woman’s unexplained death, conflicting post-mortem findings and a family’s determination to uncover the truth are at the heart of a powerful new RTÉ documentary airing this week.

The Girl in the Water tells the story of 23-year-old Kelly Marie Lynch, whose body was discovered near Horseshoe Bridge in County Monaghan on St Patrick’s Day 2024. More than two years later, her family say they are still searching for answers about what happened during her final hours.

The one-hour documentary, which airs on Wednesday, 8 July 2026 at 9.35pm on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player, follows the Lynch family’s deeply personal journey through grief, uncertainty and their campaign to establish exactly how Kelly died.

The Horseshoe Bridge, Monaghan

Rather than focusing solely on the tragedy itself, the programme explores the unanswered questions that have emerged during the family’s efforts to understand the circumstances surrounding Kelly’s death, which they say received little public attention at the time.

Conflicting medical opinions raise further questions

The documentary examines significant differences in expert opinion over Kelly’s cause of death.

The initial post-mortem report from the State Pathologist’s Office concluded that Kelly had died by drowning.

However, a subsequent desktop review by a second pathologist disputed that conclusion, suggesting hypothermia was the more likely cause.

Dr Fintan Garavan 

A further desktop review by Irish-trained pathologist Dr Fintan Garavan reached a different conclusion again, stating that Kelly had most likely died following a violent attack.

Speaking in the documentary, Dr Garavan says:

“I have concerns because there are injuries here that don’t make any sense.”

Those differing interpretations form a central part of the documentary as it explores the evidence and the questions the Lynch family continue to ask.

‘All we need is the truth’

Julieanne Lynch with Kelly’s clothes

Throughout the programme, Kelly’s family speak candidly about the emotional toll of living without clear answers.

Among the questions raised are:

“What happened to Kelly? All we need is the truth… what went wrong?”

The documentary also features the family’s determination to pursue evidence, regardless of where it ultimately leads.

“If it did turn out that it was just a very, very tragic accident, I want evidence to prove that.”

Another powerful statement featured in the programme reflects the family’s belief that unanswered questions remain.

“A death can be unsuspicious, but it has to be explained.”

Independent experts contribute to investigation

Set against the borderlands of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, The Girl in the Waterexamines the differing interpretations of evidence that have emerged since Kelly’s death.

Retired PSNI detective James Brannigan (The Katie’s Trust)

The programme includes contributions from independent experts, including retired PSNI detective James Brannigan, founder of Katie’s Trust, an organisation that supports families seeking answers when they are dissatisfied with the outcome of investigations.

Through interviews with Kelly’s family, friends and specialists, the documentary explores the challenges faced by families seeking clarity following unexplained deaths and the emotional impact of prolonged uncertainty.

A family’s search continues

Kelly’s mum, Julieanne Lynch speaking in Monaghan town

While the documentary revisits the events surrounding Kelly Marie Lynch’s death, its central focus remains on her family’s continuing search for answers and their determination to understand what happened during her final hours.

The Girl in the Water airs on Wednesday, 8 July 2026 at 9.35pm on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player, offering viewers an intimate look at one family’s pursuit of truth in the aftermath of unimaginable loss.