Family’s tribute
THE family of a 14-year-old boy who died after becoming trapped inside a major barn fire in West Lancashire have paid tribute to their “sensitive, caring and tremendous boy”.
Louis Simpson suffered severe burns after accidentally setting light to more than 150tons of hay when he lit a firework inside the barn in Fairhurst Hill, Parbold, in January last year.
The teenager was with three friends inside the building before the blaze and an inquest ruled that his death was a case of misadventure.
Fighting back tears, Louis’s grandfather spoke about the teenager outside Preston Coroner’s Court.
Brian Arnold said: “He was a tremendous boy. A boy full of energy, as boys are. It was just a tragic accident.”
During the hearing, the talented footballer’s dad Andrew Simpson also gave an emotional tribute to his son.
The business manager told the court: “Louis was an incredibly sensitive, caring and loving boy.
“This was an incredibly tragic situation and this does not reflect who Louis was.
“He was adored by his family and friends, he lived life to the full and was a great sportsman.
“We will remember him for who he was – an amazing, loving son.”
Following Louis’s death there were many others who spoke out about their feelings about the youngster, including family friend Liverpool FC legend Jamie Carragher, and his school, Merchant Taylors’ in Crosby.
Bootle-born defender Carragher posted a photo on Instagram showing Louis and his son, James, together. He captioned the picture: “Absolutely devastated as a family about the news today about Louis, remember a cracking footballer for the school, holidaying with the family in Ibiza & staying over for his & James’s birthday.
“Most of all a great kid. R.I.P son you’ll never be forgotten x”
Merchant Taylors’ School said Louis was a popular pupil and his death left the school community in deep shock.
A school spokesman said: “It is with great sadness that we can confirm a Year 9 pupil of Merchant Taylors’ Boys’ School, Louis Simpson, is believed to have died following a tragic barn fire incident.
“Our sincere thoughts and sympathies are with Louis’s family and friends at this time. Louis was a popular boy and known to many of our pupils, both in the Boys’ and Girls’ Schools.
“Our school community is in deep shock and we will be providing the appropriate support, advice and counselling for pupils, staff and parents over the coming days and weeks.”
A book of remembrance was made available at both the boys’ and girls’ schools for pupils to remember Louis after the tragic incident.
At the time his parents released a joint tribute through Lancashire fire service.
They said: “It is with deep regret and heartbreak that we can confirm the tragic loss of our beautiful, beautiful boy Louis James Simpson.
“We are all truly devastated but want to thank our amazing family and friends for their on-going love and support.”
Before the fire broke out, Louis was playing outside with three friends before they climbed up some bales of hay and entered the building through a window.
The boys were playing inside for about an hour, jumping between the bales of hay, before the others left and called out to Louis to join them.
Evidence given to police by the boys stated that