Shock death of well-known nightclub owner

Kurt Smith died after he was struck by a train at the weekend.

The 58-year-old was found dead near Balshaw Lane, Euxton, shortly before 5pm on Sunday.

A spokesman for the British Transport Police said: "We attended along with colleagues from the North West Ambulance Service but sadly a 58-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene."

Mr Smith's family has been informed.

The incident is not currently being treated as suspicious

A file will be prepared for the coroner.

It is believed he was with his dog Elvis when he died.

Mr Smith, who lived in Chorley, ran the popular Applejax nightclub in Chorley town centre and was also connected with the Rose and Crown pub, St Thomas's Road, and the Red Herring, Mill Lane, Coppull.

In the 1980s he was landlord of the then Weird Arms which later became the Leigh Arms.

One tribute included in a bunch of flowers placed outside The Rose and Crown said: "Keep them partying, all day and night. King of the club. R.I.P. Kurt... Good guy."

Messages on his Facebook page included:

Just heard the sad news that Kurt Elvis Smith has passed away. He was a great horseman, I loved a chat when he hunted with us and he had a few horses with us too.

RIP Kurt. There are some great people & horses in heaven

Liz Leigh

The world is suddenly a little less colourful. Proud to have known you my friend.

Steve Vincent

My best mate friend and drinking partnerI hope we meet in a future lifeRIP PAUL K

More than 100 tributes have been posted on his daughter Danielle’s Facebook page

They include:

Anne Wilson: My heart goes out to you Dani and Andrea xxx Rest well Kurt & Elvis

Kathryn Meredith: So sorry to hear this devastating news, our thoughts are with you and your mum and family, thinking of you all

RIPxxxx

Karl Edgar: Sorry for the loss Dani! I'm speechless. All my love to you and your mum.

Paula Flitcroft: Thinking of you and your mum Dani Smith stick together and stay strong! Thinking of you ï¸

Rachel Vessey I love you xx

Nicolla Moran: Thinking of you and your Mum. Heart broke for you when I heard but the whole town is full of love for you all. I'm so sorry Dani xxx

Kate Green: Dani Smith love you xx

And below are the ones posted on Kurt’s page, as you know, his Facebook name is Elvis Smith.

Paul K Wilkins: My best mate friend and drinking partner, I hope we meet in a future life, RIP PAUL K

Jill Charnock: RIP Kurt lots of good memories of horses nights out and some great laughs X Heartfelt sympathy Andrea + Danni

ï¸Chorley has lost a true much loved character.

Paul Andrew Conway: The equestrian world has lost one of the really good guys ...Elvis Smith rip ...top bloke ...

Chris Beesley: Rest in peace Kurt Smith. My thoughts go out to Dani and the family.