Heartbroken family pay tribute to ‘beautiful boy’, 9, killed by lightning strike
The heartbroken family of a nine-year-old who died after being struck by lightning said they have ‘lost our brightest star’.
Jordan Banks was hit during a freak thunderstorm while playing football in Blackpool, Lancashire, at around 5pm yesterday.
In a statement released by Lancashire Police today, 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.
‘Wise beyond his years, caring, considerate, generous and so loving. Our love is endless. Goodnight beautiful boy.
‘We thank you all for your kind words and support but as a family ask that you respect our wishes and privacy.’
Jordan was rushed to hospital from the football field with serious injuries but he sadly died a short while later.
Flowers, football shirts and messages of condolence were today left at the field in memory of the football fan.
One message written on a shirt reads: ‘To Jordan, fly high and keep playing football in the sky. From all at Foxhall JFC x’
Jordan was described as ‘a shining light and inspiration to everyone’ by his football club Clifton Rangers.
He was having a private coaching session at the time of the incident and was not playing with his team.
In a Facebook statement, Clifton Rangers Junior Football Club said: ‘It is with great sadness and a very heavy heart we announce that the tragic incident yesterday involved one of our own players.
‘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 world has truly lost an extraordinary young man, who had done so much good in his community.’
Two GoFundMe pages have been set up in the youngster’s memory, with one raising almost £26,000 by Wednesday afternoon.
One praised Jordan’s efforts to raise £3,000 earlier this year for a mental health charity in memory of his uncle Reece Begg, who took his own life two years ago.
It added: ‘There are no words that could possibly be written to begin to explain the pain the family of Jordan must be feeling.
‘After raising £3K for Counselling in the Community just this year, in memory of his uncle, it’s now time for us to come together as a community and help give back to such an incredibly, thoughtful and caring young lad who has been taken way too soon in a tragic incident.’
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