A 17-YEAR-OLD footballer has tragically died after being electrocuted whereas taking part in soccer along with his friends.
Luke Bennett was struck by 11,000 volts when a metallic pole he was holding above his head touched, or made shut contact to, an overhead energy line as he performed at Euxton Villa FC.
Luke Bennett, 17, died after being electrocuted whereas taking part in soccer along with his mates
Luke’s membership AFC Fylde paid tribute to the “naturally gifted” youth participantCredit score: SWNS
Luke’s devastated dad sobbed at an inquest into his son’s demise as he recalled dropping him off as ordinary that fateful day.
Thomas Bennett described Luke, an AFC Fylde youth footballer from Chorley, Lancashire, because the “life and soul of the get together” with an “infectious persona”.
The gifted younger sportsman had frolicked on the academies at Blackburn Rovers, Burnley FC and Preston North Finish earlier than beginning to play for AFC Fylde as a winger.
An inquest, held at County Corridor in Preston, heard how in March 2021, Luke had met with seven of his pals who spent many of the day having a kickabout.
At round 6pm three of the boys – Luke, Lewis Geszke and Ben Wilcock – started “messing about” with a metallic pole used to separate the subs bench from the pitch.
However as they tried to straighten the pole an enormous present surged by means of the metallic and threw all three lads to the bottom.
Luke initially stood up after the shock however his horrified mates watched on as he then collapsed to the bottom.
Lewis and Ben had been unconscious for a brief interval earlier than waking as much as see CPR being carried out on Luke.
Regardless of the most effective efforts of paramedics and a physician, Luke’s coronary heart had “fully stopped” and he was pronounced lifeless simply earlier than 7pm.
The inquest – which started yesterday and is about to conclude right this moment – heard that Luke’s coronary heart had been broken so badly that he had little probability of surviving.
This was additionally added to the truth that his friends had been warned to not contact him till emergency companies arrived.
Dad Thomas bravely took to the stand to pay tribute to his much-loved son.
The heartbroken father mentioned: “He was very a lot the life and soul.
“His persona was actually fairly infectious. He was very out-going and was driving a motorcycle earlier than you had been alleged to. He simply obtained on with issues.
“It was superb how he may do one thing with none actual apply, he was that form of lad. He simply appeared to excel at just about all sports activities.
“He at all times requested us to take him to a buddy’s home or to play soccer someplace at Buckshaw or Euxton.
“I mentioned I’d take him and decide him up. I dropped him off, up the drive, which I’ve carried out dozens of instances.”
The coroner requested Mr Bennett how he and his spouse, together with Luke’s older brother Dylan, had been doing since his demise.
“Daily,” he replied as he started to cry. “It hasn’t been straightforward.”
AFC Fylde posted an emotional assertion following Luke’s demise in on the time.
It learn; “It’s with deep disappointment and sorrow that we should share the tragic information that AFC Fylde youth participant Luke Bennett has handed away on the age of 17.
“Studying the information on Saturday night has left us completely devastated and heartbroken. All our love goes out to Luke’s household and pals at this merciless and troublesome time.
“Above all, Luke was a sort, common younger man who was a lot liked by his teammates and coaches.
“He was any individual who may immediately gentle up a room along with his bubbly persona. Then, on the sector, he was a naturally gifted footballer who excelled each time he represented AFC Fylde.
“The ache of Luke’s sudden and premature passing will likely be felt by our soccer membership, supporters and all who ever had the pleasure of figuring out him. Relaxation in peace, ‘Lukey B’. The reminiscence of you’ll at all times be in our hearts.”