Brightest star ...he was our everything
Stepdad sees Jordan, nine, killed by bolt of lightning as he plays football
THE family of nine-year-old Jordan Banks who died after being struck by lightning this week have described him as their “brightest star”, adding: “He was our everything.”
The primary schoolboy died on a playing field at 5.05pm on Tuesday during a sudden electrical storm.
His devoted stepfather Daniel Begg watched helplessly from his car as Jordan was killed during a football coaching session.
Liverpool fan Jordan played in the No7 shirt for the Clifton Rangers Bees Under 9s side.
Daniel later posted a touching picture of the pair holding hands. He wrote in his Instagram post: “Hand in hand...always” alongside heart emojis.
Last night Blackpool Tower was lit up in red – Liverpool’s colour – with a heart in the centre. A spokesman said: “Yesterday our community lost one of it’s brightest lights, so this evening we stand alongside Jordan Banks family.”
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, generous and so loving. Our love is endless. Goodnight beautiful boy.”
Yesterday they hugged each other as they visited the field in Blackpool and left flowers near where he died.
Also visiting the scene was Jordan’s best friend CJ Campbell, who said: “I started crying straight away as soon as I heard the news. He is my very best friend. I was so shocked – you wouldn’t expect to hear that news.”
CJ also left flowers and a football with a message written on it in memory his friend. The youngster added: “I’m going to miss him. I’ve known him since reception class. We played football against each other. He was very funny and caring and had raised money for charity.” After the tragedy, a rapid response vehicle, an air ambulance van and four police vans were seen on the playing field.
Blackpool South’s MP Scott Benton said he was “incredibly sorry to hear this tragic and heartbreaking news”. He added: “Everybody in Blackpool will be thinking of the boy’s family and friends at this sad time.”
Clifton Rangers Junior Football Club said: “Jordan of our U9 Bees, passed away doing what he loved. He was a shining light and an inspiration to everyone he met.The world has lost an extraordinary young man who had done so much good in his community.”
Two GoFundMe pages have been set up in memory of Jordan, with one raising more than £44,500 by last night from more than 2,500 donors.