Tributes Paid To Nine-Year-Old Boy Killed By Lightning Strike While Playing Football
Published
Tributes are being paid to a nine-year-old boy who died after being struck by lightning while playing football.
Jordan Banks was in the middle of a coaching session in Blackpool on Tuesday when a thunderstorm descended on the playing field. Police and emergency services were called and the child was taken to hospital, but Banks tragically died a short time later.
Messages of condolence have been left at the scene of the incident, while Clifton Rangers Junior Football Club have paid tribute to Banks calling him "an extraordinary young man".
"It is with great sadness and a very heavy heart we announce that the tragic incident yesterday involved one of our own players," said the club in a post on Facebook.
"Jordan of our U9 Bees, tragically passed away yesterday evening doing what he loved.
"Jordan was a shining light and an inspiration to everyone that he met. A strong, determined and courageous young man, who will be missed by everyone."
The club added that they were working with the FA to support the child's family, as well as his teammates, friends and coaches, who are devastated by the loss. The nine-year-old was reportedly a Liverpool fan and someone who spent his time raising money for charity.
According to the BBC, Lancashire Police reported that officers were called at about 5pm on Tuesday and four police vans, a rapid response vehicle and an air ambulance van were all quickly at the scene. However the boy died soon after being taken to hospital.
Condolence messages have been written on football shirts or attached to flowers and placed at the side of the playing field.
People on social media have also been posting nine footballs in honour of Jordan, using the hashtag #RIPLittleMan.
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- TeamFeePay (@teamfeepay) May 12, 2021
in memory of young footballer Jordan who tragically left the football family yesterday. Our thoughts are with his family. YNWA #RIPlittlemanhttps://t.co/rLc4qyTdNo
Our thoughts go out to the family of that little boy, Jordan Banks, who tragically lost his life last night.
- Bicester Hallions FC (@BHallions) May 12, 2021
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Devastating news about Jordan Banks, a beautiful 9 year old boy just out playing football. #riplittleman
- Michelle Hardwick (@ChelleHardwick) May 12, 2021
Tributes are being paid to #Liverpool fan Jordan Banks, who died after being struck by lightning while playing football in Blackpool yesterday.
- Radio City News (@RadioCityNews) May 12, 2021
His best friend CJ has laid flowers where it happened#YNWA #riplittleman pic.twitter.com/mtLGOSwoiH
Anybody with information about the incident, or who witnessed it and has not yet spoken to police, is asked to get in touch on 101, quoting log 1169 of May 11.
Featured image credit: Lancs Live/MEN Media
Topics: Football
