Jordan Banks, 9, died an hour after being struck by lightning as he played football, inquest hears

A TRAGIC nine-year-old boy died in hospital an hour after he was struck by lightning as he played football, an inquest heard today.

Jordan Banks, 9, was taking part in a one-on-one training session in a field in Blackpool when the horror unfolded on Tuesday.

An inquest was today opened and adjourned into his tragic death.

The hearing was told Jordan was hit by lightning during a thunderstorm at 5pm.

He was declared dead in hospital an hour later.

Blackpool Coroner's Court was told a post-mortem was not carried out as a paediatrician gave his cause of death as being struck by lightning.

The inquest was adjourned ahead of a further hearing on July 21.

Coroner Alan Wilson said: "The incident that we are considering, is an incident that occurred on May 11, at a football field near School Road.

"He was a school pupil at the time of his death. The death was reported by one PC Gardner and he was later identified by his stepfather David Barker.

"Shortly before 5pm near the Common Road area of Blackpool, Jordan was in a football coaching session when he was said to have been struck by lightning.

"He was taken to Blackpool Victoria Hospital where his death was pronounced shortly before 6pm."



Tributes flooded in for Jordan after his tragic death.

Blackpool Tower lit up red last week in memory of the youngster, while the town hall's flag was lowered at half-mast.

Mourners also lined the promenade as cars painted with footballs made their way down the road for a procession.

Jordan was a keen footballer and was praised earlier this year by Liverpool star James Milner for his "incredible" charity work.

The youngster raised £2,500 by running 30 miles for a local mental health charity in honour of his Uncle Reece, who took his own life in 2018.

Caring Jordan also left chocolates on police cars to cheer up officers during the pandemic.

A GoFundMe page set up in memory of Jordan has now raised more than £101,000.

In a statement, his 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.”

His dad Matt Banks last week paid tribute and revealed his son's organs have saved three other children.

He said: "Jordan was and is the most amazing little person.

"He had the biggest heart and would do anything for anyone, and when parents say they have the best kid ever, he GENERALLY was the best ever and if I ever could of asked for a perfect child that was my Jordan.

"I couldn’t of been prouder of him always putting other people himself, such a selfless little person.

"Even now his kindness has meant that 3 other children may be able to live as he always told us he wanted to be able to help other people if he could so was a donor and has donated which we know will be what he wanted."





 

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