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British Boxer Dies After Phuket Tuk-Tuk Fall

Colin Cairney, an undefeated Scottish welterweight boxer, has died aged 22 after suffering catastrophic injuries in a road incident during a holiday in Thailand. Cairney had been left on life support following the incident, which occurred in the early hours of 14 June on the island of Phuket.

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His boxing club, Team 1314, confirmed his death in a statement posted on a GoFundMe page established to support his family. The club described the loss as devastating and paid tribute to a boxer they said was “family” and a valued part of the team.

According to reports, Cairney was returning to his hotel after a night of partying in Phuket when the incident happened. It is understood he became involved in a dispute with the driver of a tuk-tuk over payment of the fare.

The driver was reportedly taking him to an ATM so he could withdraw cash. During the return journey, Cairney fell from the back of the vehicle and suffered a severe head injury.

Emergency medical personnel arrived at approximately 4.10am and transported him to Patong Hospital. Due to the seriousness of his injuries, he was later transferred to Vachira Phuket Hospital for further treatment.

Before his death was confirmed, Cairney’s family launched a GoFundMe appeal seeking assistance to return him to the UK for treatment and recovery. The fundraising page raised more than GBP60,000.

The family wrote: “We are reaching out with heavy hearts to ask for help for our son, who has been seriously injured in an accident while in Thailand.” They added: “What began as a normal trip has turned into every parent’s worst nightmare.”

Following confirmation of his death, tributes continued to be paid by friends, supporters and members of the boxing community. Team 1314 said: “Everyone at Team 1314 is absolutely devastated by the loss of our Colin.” The club added: “Colin, you will be remembered forever and will always be in our hearts. Rest easy, Champ.”

A separate fundraiser organised by Team 1314 has raised more than GBP55,000. The club described the period as “an incredibly difficult and heartbreaking time for everyone who knows and loves him.”

The Sun reported that Cairney leaves behind an unbeaten professional record of 10 victories from 10 fights, including six wins by knockout. His family, friends and supporters are now mourning his loss while continuing arrangements following his death.

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Picture courtesy of The Sun

Related stories

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Tuk-tuk-driver-sought-after-British-tourist-hurt-in-Phuket

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SOTIRIOS Platinum Member

SOTIRIOS

Advanced Member

...Sounds Like He Was 'Helped Off The Vehicle'... (?)

...Seems To Be Happening A Lot Lately...(?) ...Even Once Is Too Much...(?)

...Some Would Call That Murder...(?)...Doesn't Sound Like 'An Accident'... (?)

CLUBBER Advanced Member

CLUBBER

Member
12 hours ago, newbee2022 said:

Jesus died not young. Not a good one though? 😳

33 is still young

flaming dragon Gold Member

flaming dragon

Advanced Member

I take the piss out of UK citizens but one could look at the gofundme donations as an indication of their generosity and ability to put themselves in the unfortunate person's shoes.

I said from the beginning that the kid was probably being driven off to a burial pit in the jungle. That might have been close to the mark and he decided to jump instead. Bloody sad all the way around. Ride hailing apps can't take over Phuket fast enough.

papa al Ruby Member

papa al

Advanced Member
11 hours ago, shackleton said:

This seems to be getting a regular thing Brits falling or being pushed off Tuk Tuks in Phuket and Pattaya plus alcohol involved does not help the situation

No tuktuks in Pattaya,

Paradise Pete Silver Member

Paradise Pete

Advanced Member
13 hours ago, newbee2022 said:

Jesus died not young. Not a good one though? 😳

The phrase "only the good die young" does not mean that all good people die young. Plus the whole thing is silly anyway.

rattlesnake Diamond Member

rattlesnake

Advanced Member
7 hours ago, Postmaster said:

Perhaps the Tuk Tuk driver was deliberately speeding so that the lad could not get off to do a runner. There is a report that the Tuk Tuk was speeding . Just saying.

They drive like maniacs in Phuket. I have memories (early 2010s) of late-night drunken tuk tuk rides from Patong to Kata, on that dark and windy road, and if you're really intoxicated, you're at real risk of falling on the road.

I don't know what it's like today but in those days, the infamous 'taxi mafia' were not a pleasant bunch and not to be messed with. Above all, the rule was to never dispute prices, even if you were getting ripped off (if you don't want to get ripped off, don't go to Phuket).

RIP, young lad.

FritsSikkink Star Member

FritsSikkink

Advanced Member
15 hours ago, J Branche said:

In the story titled

"Tuk-Tuk Driver Sought After British Tourist Hurt in Phuket"

This was reported:

"The vehicle reportedly passed The Nature hotel without turning in to drop off the passenger and was seen travelling at speed before Kearney fell from the vehicle and suffered serious injuries."

Anyways Sad Event. RIP.

With the details above I could understand the Boxers concern and may have been attempting to notify the driver to stop when he fell to the road.

customer got in public transport without money to pay for it

newbee2022 Star Member

newbee2022

Advanced Member
6 minutes ago, Chongalulu said:

Jesus, the moderately successful light entertainer,,,?

Ok, precisely Jesus Christ. I don't mean your moderately successful neighbor

8 hours ago, CLUBBER said:

33 is still young

Not in those times

PingRoundTheWorld Gold Member

PingRoundTheWorld

Advanced Member
20 hours ago, rattlesnake said:

They drive like maniacs in Phuket. I have memories (early 2010s) of late-night drunken tuk tuk rides from Patong to Kata, on that dark and windy road, and if you're really intoxicated, you're at real risk of falling on the road.

When I lived in Phuket during Covid I tried as much as I could to use ride hailing apps - which were both cheaper and safer - but the drivers were scared of stopping anywhere near the tuktuk mafia. Sometimes I'd take 5 minutes to walk down the road, but usually it was easier to just negotiate with the tuktuk drivers (agree on price BEFORE you board).

All of them drove at varying degrees of crazy, but some of them were so bad I was scared we might crash. There are a couple of times it was so bad that when stopped at a police checkpoint (they had them very often) I actually got off and paid the driver and told him the ride is done. Having the police right there they just took the money and sped away. But I totally believe it that it's possible for an intoxicated person to fall off with the way some of them drive. Having said that- this sounds more ominous like he jumped because he thought he was being abducted. (or he was already hit in the head previously)

Priorexpat Silver Member

Priorexpat

Advanced Member

From that picture he certainly landed right on his head, that is broken neck material for sure. RIP.

What I don't get about these tuk-tuk deaths/injuries (I've ridden in them 100 plus times) is that you get in, and it's bench seating along the sides behind the driver. So if you sit down while the vehicle is moving, how do you end up out the back? Stay seated until the vehicle stops, right?

I'd say 95% of these incidents are due to people standing near the back door, or literally hanging on the back. Bad idea.

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