Tragedy at his Thai training camp
FIGHTER DIES OF DEHYDRATION AS HE TRAINS IN SAUNA SUIT TO LOSE WEIGHT
KICKBOXER Jordan Coe’s mum has flown to Thailand to bring home the body of her son who died in a training camp tragedy.
Jordan, who grew up in Amble, Northumberland, was found dead wearing a sauna suit, designed to induce sweating, days before a Muay Thai boxing bout.
The former Amble Links First School pupil had moved to Falkirk in Scotland before heading to Thailand to pursue his boxing dream.
He had been scheduled to fight a Cambodian boxer in the Muang district, 160 miles from the capital Bangkok, but the 20-year-old was found dead on Sunday night.
A fundraising campaign launched to bring home his body has now raised more than £23,000, smashing the original £5,000 target.
Trainer Kritchai Kritnok told police Jordan went out wearing the heavy clothing to try to shed three kilogrammes in order to meet the 61kg limit for the bout.
A preliminary post-mortem showed Jordan suffered severe dehydration and heatstroke, causing his body to go into fatal shock.
His Scottish coach, Craig Floan, said: “Jordan was a lovable rogue, a cheeky chappy who lived his life to the absolute fullest. He trained hard, fought hard and entertained hard.
“He was a real role model to not only the youngsters, but to the adults, too.
“The whole Thai boxing community not only in Scotland but the rest of world is absolutely devastated by this news.”
Craig said Jordan won 11 out of 12 fights last year and had fought in Australia, Japan and Cambodia, as well as in Thailand and Britain.
He added Jordan was known as the Dancing Boxer because he entered the ring performing a traditional north eastern Thai dance.
Yesterday, Craig posted a message sent to him by Jordan’s cousin, Stephen, which said: “We are moving Jordan to Ubon tomorrow so that they can hold a three day ceremony at his gym to pay their respects.
“It seems we could probably have Jordan back to London by Tuesday/ Wednesday but will know more in time. We will try to keep you posted the best we can over the next week. “Thank you for your support.” Since the news of his death, friends set up a JustGiving page which has raised more than £23,000.
Nicole Floan wrote on it: “Jordan was one of a kind.
“He was the most lovable, caring, enthusiastic young man you will have ever come across.
“He lived for Muay Thai so much so he chased his dream of living and fighting in Thailand.
“He loved coming home and fighting in home shows, bringing some crowd with him. Everyone loved Jordan.” Jordan was due to come back to Britain in July for a bout. Last Thursday, Jordan wrote on Facebook: “Loving the constant fighting each month. “Almost three years living in Thailand and with each year, I always learn more and more. Thank you to my team, family, friends and fans for always helping me on my journey. “I recommend anyone to go with their gut feeling and follow their dream. No matter what it may be.” A Foreign Office spokesman said: “We are providing assistance to the family of a British national following their death in Thailand.”
Jordan was a lovable rogue, a cheeky chappy who lived life to the absolute fullest Coach Craig Floan