The grief-stricken family of a nine-year-old boy killed in a lightning strike as he played football in Blackpool have today paid tribute to their "brightest star."
They also released a picture of littleJordan Banks described as a beautiful boy with an "infectious smile and golden curls."
The schoolboy was killed as a storm swept Lancashire on Tuesday during a coaching session as his horrified stepdad looked on from a car.
A Blackpool landmark will be lit up in red tonight in tribute to the passionate young Liverpool FC fan.
Jodan's family said in a statement released by Lancashire Police today: "Yesterday our worlds stopped. We lost the brightest star our beautiful boy Jordan.
"His laugh, that infectious smile, golden curls, he was our everything.
"Wise beyond his years, caring, considerate, generous and so loving. Our love is endless. Goodnight beautiful boy. We thank you all for your kind words and support but as a family ask that you respect our wishes and privacy.”
Jordan, a Reds fan who was praised by star James Milner for charity work earlier this year, was the middle child of three.
His devastated mum, dad, stepdad and relatives wept as they laid flowers at a memorial for the boy at the football pitch where he was struck.
Jordan's headteachers at Stanley Primary School said pupils and staff had been left "numb" by the tragedy.
Co-headteachers at his school, Craig England and Jane Murphy, said: “Everyone at Stanley Primary School is completely numb today, we have lost a member of our family.
“Jordan was a bright, bubbly pupil loved by staff and pupils alike. He was a very determined young man which was demonstrated by his charity efforts at the start of the year.
“His parents and family should be very proud of the young man he had become. He was so friendly and showed great compassion towards fellow pupils.
“Jordan’s classmates have told us told how funny he was, always cracking jokes. We are beyond devastated that we won’t see his cheerful face again.
“Our thoughts are with Jordan’s family and will offer them any support we can.
“When the time is right we will plan a fitting tribute with his classmates and family.”
Jordan's death was an incredibly rare tragedy in the UK, where two people are killed by lightning every year on average.
Earlier Chris Campbell, whose son CJ was best friends with Jordan, said the young boy's stepdad had witnessed the horrific incident.
Chris said: "Jordan was having a one-to-one coaching session. His stepdad was in the car at the time. It is awful.
"He was having a coaching session at the time to help improve his game.
"I feel so sorry for his family and what they are going through."
At the memorial, nine-year-old CJ left flowers and a football with a message to his pal written on it.
CJ said: "I am very sad about what happened. Jordan was my best friend and I'm going to miss him. I've known him since reception class.
"We played football against each other. He was very funny and caring and had raised money for charity. He was in my class at school."
Jordan wore short number 7 for the Under 9s team at Clifton Rangers Junior Football Club, which described him as "extraordinary" and "an inspiration to everyone".
Cllr Lynn Williams, Leader of Blackpool Council, said: “The whole town is shocked and devastated by the tragic accident that took place on Tuesday night on Common Edge Road playing fields.
“Our thoughts are with Jordan’s family and friends. I can’t imagine what they are going through but I hope they can take some comfort from the out pouring of love and support from the whole community.
“Our critical incident team have been at the school offering support to staff and pupils during this difficult time.
“A dedicated space has been created for pupils who require more support and we will do all we can to assist them.
“The flag at the Town Hall has been lowered to half-mast and tonight Blackpool Tower and the Illuminations arches will be lit in red as we know he was a keen Liverpool FC fan.”
A GoFundMe page set up to support Jordan's family, including his mum Danielle Begg and stepdad Dan Begg had raised more than £26,000 by Wednesday evening.
