The family of a nine-year-old boy who died after being struck by lightning during a football coaching session in Blackpool have described him as their "brightest star" and "our everything". Jordan Banks was injured on a playing field in the Common Edge Road area during a thunderstorm shortly after 5pm on Tuesday.
Emergency services, including police and an air ambulance, attended the scene but Jordan died in hospital a short time later. Flowers, footballs and messages of condolence have been laid at the site. Jordan's family said: "Yesterday our worlds stopped. We lost the brightest star, our beautiful boy Jordan. His laugh, that infectious smile, golden curls – he was our everything."
Jordan was a player for Clifton Rangers Junior FC, who paid tribute to the "extraordinary young man" in a Facebook post. The club said: "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." Spirit of Youth Junior FC, another local club that uses the field, confirmed the boy was taking part in a private coaching session.
In January, Jordan ran 30 miles in memory of his uncle, Reece Begg, who took his own life in 2018, raising more than £2,300 for the Blackpool-based mental health service Counselling in the Community. Liverpool footballer James Milner recorded a video for him after hearing of his fundraising exploits, calling it "an incredible feat".
Blackpool Council, which owns the playing fields, said it was flying the town hall's flag at half-mast in tribute. Det Supt Nick Connaughton, of Lancashire Police, said: "This is a truly devastating incident and our thoughts are wholeheartedly with the family and friends." On average, two people are killed by lightning in the UK every year.
