Heartbroken family pay tribute to teenage footballer Luke Bennett who died at the weekend

Heartbreaking tributes have been shared by family and former teachers of a teenager who died in a tragic accident at an Euxton football ground at the weekend.
Luke attended Holy Cross Catholic High School in Chorley for 5 years before completing his final year in 2020. The school has paid tribute to its former student, who it described as a "kind and thoughtful young man". In this picture, the promising footballer is aged 14 and had just signed for Burnley FC Academy.Luke attended Holy Cross Catholic High School in Chorley for 5 years before completing his final year in 2020. The school has paid tribute to its former student, who it described as a "kind and thoughtful young man". In this picture, the promising footballer is aged 14 and had just signed for Burnley FC Academy.
Luke attended Holy Cross Catholic High School in Chorley for 5 years before completing his final year in 2020. The school has paid tribute to its former student, who it described as a "kind and thoughtful young man". In this picture, the promising footballer is aged 14 and had just signed for Burnley FC Academy.

Luke Bennett 17, had been playing football with friends when a metal pole he was holding struck power lines at Euxton Villa F.C.'s ground in Runshaw Hall Lane at around 6pm on Saturday (March 6).

Luke, an academy youth player with AFC Fylde, who lived in Chorley and previously attended Holy Cross Catholic High School, was electrocuted and died at the scene.

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Today, in a heartbreaking tribute, his family expressed their "inconsolable" grief at losing Luke, but said "his beautiful light will never go out".

Luke's club AFC Fylde paid tribute to the "naturally gifted" youth player who would "light up a room with his bubbly personality". Pic: AFC FyldeLuke's club AFC Fylde paid tribute to the "naturally gifted" youth player who would "light up a room with his bubbly personality". Pic: AFC Fylde
Luke's club AFC Fylde paid tribute to the "naturally gifted" youth player who would "light up a room with his bubbly personality". Pic: AFC Fylde

"No words can describe how we are feeling today," said his family.

"We are completely inconsolable. No parent should have to go through the pain that we are feeling.

"Luke was our light, he was a beautiful boy in every way. He had a personality like a magnet and touched everyone he met.

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"We could not have wished for a better son, or brother and friend for Dylan. There were four of us and there will always be four of us.

"His beautiful light will never go out."

Luke attended Holy Cross Catholic High School in Chorley for 5 years before completing his final year in 2020. The school has paid tribute to its former student, who it described as a "kind and thoughtful young man".

"It is with great sadness that we learned of the tragic death of Luke Bennett," said a school spokesman.

"Luke was a much loved and respected member of our school community. He was passionate about football and a highly skilled player.

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"He was a kind and thoughtful young man who contributed to our school through being a prefect and by taking part in events like Holy Cross Does Strictly which raised money for local charities.

"He made our school a better place and he will be sadly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family."

Yesterday, Luke's club AFC Fylde, paid tribute to the "naturally gifted" youth player who would "light up a room with his bubbly personality".

"It is with deep sadness and sorrow that we must share the tragic news that AFC Fylde youth player Luke Bennett has passed away at the age of 17," said the club.

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"Learning the news on Saturday evening has left us absolutely devastated and heartbroken.

"Above all, Luke was a kind, popular young man who was much loved by his teammates and coaches. He was somebody who could instantly light up a room with his bubbly personality.

"Then, on the field, he was a naturally gifted footballer who excelled every time he represented AFC Fylde.

"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.

"Rest in peace, “Lukey B”. The memory of you will always be in our hearts."

Football clubs from around the UK have paid tribute to Luke - you can view a selection of them here.

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