14-year-old kickboxer dies after suffering injuries in championship bout
A 14-year-old kickboxing champion has died after suffering injuries during a championship fight.
Scott Marsden needed urgent medical attention during an English title fight in Leeds on Saturday.
Witnesses said he received treatment before being rushed to hospital since when friends and fellow kickboxers have revealed he has since died – although the family has not yet confirmed this.
Friends and wellwishers have opened up a Just Giving page to support Scott’s family.
I donated to support the family of Scott Marsden cruelly taken from us before his time ???? #Heartbreaking #donate at https://t.co/fdYucKKjjD
— *•.¸J9¸.•*(Janine)???? (@Borough_Bird) March 14, 2017
On Tuesday organisers of the event confirmed the teenager had died in hospital.
Leeds Martial Arts College said: “Our deepest condolences & sympathy go to our friends the Marsdens at this terrible time.
“Scotty will always be in our hearts & our thoughts & we miss you dearly. A true champion in every way who’s energy & positivity affected everyone he met. Rest now Scotty lad.”
Tributes have been paid to the much-loved ‘young warrior’ and Neil Kelly, who runs the USKA Fight Factory in Birmingham, and knows Scott’s family said on Facebook on Tuesday: ‘Extremely saddened to hear of the heartbreaking loss of a fine young kickboxer.
‘Scott was an extremely talented fighter. The martial arts community is shocked and in mourning and rightfully so for a lad that will be truly missed.
‘God bless you all with strength at this difficult and sad time. RIP Scotty’.
Scott is believed to have been a member of Marsden’s All Styles Kickboxing, in Sheffield.
The club posted a statement on Facebook on Sunday, which said training was cancelled until further notice.
Kickboxing clubs across the country are also planning a minute’s silence at their next event.
A West Yorkshire Police spokesman said: ‘At 1.20pm on Sunday, police were contacted by medical staff at Leeds General Infirmary reporting a 14-year-old boy who was in a critical condition after collapsing during an organised kickboxing contest at Alexandra Mill, Morley, on Saturday night.
‘The family of the boy are at the hospital and have been spoken to by officers.
‘Inquiries are being carried out into the circumstances.’
