An 11-year-old boy died five months after a house fire that broke out when a battery exploded, an inquest has heard. Cole Leighton-Taylor suffered serious injuries when the blaze ignited at his home in Greenwood, Clayton-le-Woods, Lancashire, on January 6 this year. He was rushed to Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, where he tragically died on May 29, nearly five months later.
Inquest Opened and Adjourned
An inquest into Cole's death was opened and adjourned at Preston Coroners' Court on Thursday, June 11. The court was told that Cole was born in Preston and his body was identified by his hospital identity wristband to PC Ben Gibson of Greater Manchester Police, reports Lancs Live.
Area Coroner Kate Bisset said during the brief hearing: "This boy died as a consequence of injuries he sustained in a fire when a battery exploded in his home and set alight." A full inquest into Cole's death is scheduled for October 15 at Preston Coroners' Court. The coroner added: "I wish to pass my very sincere condolences to the family of Cole for their awful loss at this sad time."
Tributes to 'Captain Cole'
Following Cole's death, teammates from Charnock Richard FC paid a heartfelt tribute to 'Captain Cole'. "He was a true leader on and off the pitch and a much-loved member of our football family – full of life, talent and joy. His loss leaves a profound void in our club," the club posted on Facebook.
A GoFundMe page set up to support Cole's family has raised more than £32,000. A separate fundraiser has been launched for Cole's dad, Craig Taylor, to pay for funeral costs. Friend Kelly Harrison posted on the GoFundMe page: "After 21 weeks and three days of fighting Cole unfortunately has very sadly passed away. He fought so hard right until the very end. His family and friends are all absolutely devastated."
