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11-Year-Old Football Captain Dies After Months in Hospital Following Greenwood House Fire

Lancashire Police have ruled the January blaze accidental, prompting widespread tributes from his club and a community fundraiser that has raised more than £32,000.

Overview

  • Cole Leighton died on Friday, May 29, after a prolonged stay in critical care that began when a house fire badly injured him in January.
  • Fire crews attended the blaze in Greenwood, Clayton Green, shortly before midnight on January 6 and Cole and his mother were taken to specialist hospitals for treatment.
  • Lancashire Police said in February that their enquiries found no criminal element to the fire and that there will be no further criminal investigation.
  • Cole was the under-12s captain at Charnock Richard FC and the club, teammates and coaches paid public tribute to his leadership and fighting spirit.
  • The family lost their home in the blaze and a GoFundMe set up to help them has raised more than £32,000 as neighbours and the club offer ongoing support.