Following the inquest into the tragic death of teenager Luke Bennett in 2021, it now said that the promising young footballer died “almost instantly” following the electric shock.
Born in Chorley himself, the teenager who was a youth player with AFC Fylde was hit with around 11,000 volts when a metal pole he was holding over his head came into contact with the power cable above while “messing about” with friends.
Beginning around 6pm three boys — Lewis Geszke, Ben Wilcock and Bennett himself — were playing with the metal pole used to separate the subs bench from the pitch and were shocked by the electric current, and despite initially standing up from the shock, Luke the once again collapsed to the ground.
Learning the news on Saturday evening has left us absolutely devastated and heartbroken.
All our love goes out to Luke’s family and friends at this cruel and difficult time.
Following the inquest more than two years after the incident, the County Hall in Preston found that the Lancashire lad’s heart had been “completely stopped” by the electrocution and despite efforts of paramedics and a doctor, he unfortunately died around 6:48pm.
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As for the other two boys, Lewis and Ben, the pair were left unconscious for a short period as a result of the shock before waking up to see CPR being performed on Luke.
The inquest heard that because Luke’s heart had been damaged to such an extent and his friends had been warned not to touch him due to the voltage, he sadly had little chance of surviving. However, consultant cardiologist Dr Ian Schofield said that although he likely died “almost instantly”, he may have been saved had CPR been carried out earlier or if a defibrillator had been available.
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The inquest into Luke Bennett’s death is set to conclude on Wednesday, 24 May, with his father Thomas (once himself a professional footballer for Wolverhampton Wanderers) paying tribute to a boy who was always “the life and soul” and had an “infectious personality”.
Dad Thomas went on to tell Area Coroner Kate Bisset how his son was “very outgoing” and spent most of his days just “having a kick-about… He just got on with things.”
Luke was widely considered to be an exciting young talent with a bright future ahead of him, spending time at the Blackburn Rovers, Burnley FC and Preston North End’s academies before going on to play as a winger for Lancashire-based National League North side AFC Fylde.
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Writing shortly after his passing, the club said they were “absolutely devastated and heartbroken” by the news of the accident, stating that “Luke was a kind, popular young man who was much loved by his teammates and coaches” and who would “instantly light up a room with his bubbly personality.”
Rest in peace, Luke.
The pain of Luke’s sudden and untimely passing will be felt by our football club, supporters and all who ever had the pleasure of knowing him.
Alex Sanderson summons Rudyard Kipling as Sale Sharks scrape into the semi-finals
Danny Jones
Director of Rugby Alex Sanderson referenced the famous Rudyard Kipling after Sale Sharks managed to book their place in the playoffs of this year’s Gallagher Premiership following a nail-biter of a fixture against Exeter Chiefs.
The Sharks sealed their spot in the semi-finals with a 30-26 win over the Chiefs on Saturday night, with a trio of tries, a singular pen and calmness when it came to conversions proving just enough to make it to full time.
Speaking on the narrow score at Sandy Park, Sanderson himself applauded that same composure during his post-match duties, casually quoting Kipling ahead of the next big game.
Writing on social media after nerves had just about settled, the club simply said: “Apologies for raising the heart rate, Sharks Family… but Saturday we go again.”
Beginning with an expression of that same defiant spirit that has seen them across the line on so many occasions, the 45-year-old told TNT Sports, “We got another Monday in us.”
The Sale Sharks coach went on to add: “So if you can keep your head, when everybody else is losing theirs – I think that’s the old Rudyard Kipling poem – you’re in such a better place on the back of that, knowing what we can fix from the Leicester game and what we can do better from today.”
It’s not every day you hear sportsmen calling up the poetic words of the beloved British-India writer, but it certainly impressed plenty of supporters, though Sanderson has always been popular among fans for his candour and charisma in interviews.
Ultimately, it was Rekeiti Ma’asi-White, Bevan Rodd, Luke Cowan-Dickie and George Ford that the Greater Manchester outfit had to thank for the electrifying finish
You can see how much it meant, clear as day…
Not done yet…
Thank you for your support Sharks Family, it’s truly appreciated!
Sale Sharks will now take on Leicester Tigers (who the local side finished just behind in third place following the result against the Chiefs) in the Premiership semis as they look to get revenge for previous painful meetings
Are you feeling hopeful, Sharks Family?
You can see the full highlights from Sale Sharks’ tense victory over the Exeter Chiefs down below.
Alex Sanderson channelled Rudyard Kipling and Sale scrapped like true Sharks.
Luxury Manchester gym Blok confirms permanent closure after weeks of uncertainty
Daisy Jackson
Blok Manchester has announced its permanent closure, weeks after the doors to the premium fitness facility mysteriously closed.
Around a fortnight ago, members began to arrive to their classes to find the gym on Ducie Street locked up and a forfeiture notice on the door – but at the time, Blok said that it was fighting to reopen.
Sadly, in an email sent to members today, its founder has confirmed that the studio is now permanently closed.
Blok – which has several very successful sites down in London – said that its relationship with its landlord has ‘broken down to a point where trust has been lost’.
The gym wrote that it’s been left with ‘no workable way forward’.
They said: “BLOK Manchester was a space built by our loyal and dedicated community. Whether you joined us for one class or one hundred, we are deeply grateful. You helped create something genuinely special in an incredible city.”
In the immediate future, they said they’ll be supporting the team of fantastic trainers who worked here, as well as looking after members.
Members will be contacted within a few hours with options and refunds owed.
Blok Manchester has announced its permanent closure. Credit: The Manc Group
CEO and founder Ed Stanbury said: “While this marks the end of a chapter, we don’t see it as the end of our story in Manchester. We’re already speaking with developers about potential future sites and remain committed to returning to the city when the time is right.
“Thank you for being part of our story so far. Let’s shape the future of wellness. The mission continues.”
Commenting on Blok’s Instagram post – its first in almost a fortnight – people have been sharing their sadness at the closure of its Manchester site.
One person wrote: “beautiful space, beautiful staff and beautiful community.”
Another said: “Sending love to all the instructors !! :(((( gutted”
Someone else commented: “THE BEST CLASSES. I’m gutted.”
Danny Jones -
24th May 2023 
