9-year-old boy killed by lightning while playing soccer

A 9-year-old boy died after being struck by lightning while playing soccer in England, police and team officials said.

Jordan Banks, of Blackpool, died Tuesday at a hospital following the lightning strike at a field in his hometown, police said in a statement.

An investigation is ongoing, but Blackpool police said they believe the young soccer standout died after being struck during a practice session.

Jordan was remembered as the “brightest star” in a statement by his family released Wednesday by police.

“Yesterday our worlds stopped,” the statement read. “We lost the brightest star, our beautiful boy Jordan. His laugh, that infectious smile, golden curls, he was our everything.”

“Our love is endless,” the statement continued. “Goodnight beautiful boy.”

Jordan’s team, the Clifton Rangers Junior Football Club, said the boy “tragically passed away” while playing the game he loved.

“Jordan was a shining light and an inspiration to everyone that he met,” team officials said in a statement. “A strong, determined and courageous young man who will be missed by everyone.”

One of the boy’s closest friends, CJ, laid flowers and a football on the field where Jordan was struck, Sky News reported.

“He was very kind and caring,” CJ said. “Football was very important to him. He loved it. He played it every day and at school with me.”

Jordan was also known throughout Blackpool for highlighting mental health awareness following the suicide of his uncle in 2018. He raised $3,500 by running 30 miles in 10 days, Sky News reported.