British boxer Colin Cairney has died in hospital following an accident in Thailand.
Cairney, a 22-year-old unbeaten boxer with a record of 10 victories from 10 fights, was reported to have fallen head-first from a moving tuk-tuk after arguing with his driver about the fare on the island of Phuket.
Medics found him at 4.10am unconscious and bleeding in the road.
A UK Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office spokesperson said: ‘We are supporting the family of a British man who has died in Thailand.’
A spokesperson for Boxing Scotland said: ‘Boxing Scotland are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former international boxer Colin Cairney.
‘The 22-year-old represented Scotland many times at prestigious competitions such as the European Junior Championships and the World Youth Championships.’
British boxer Colin Cairney (centre) has died in an accident while on holiday in Thailand
According to the Mirror, investigators in Phuket believe that Cairney had been returning to The Nature Hotel, where he was staying, following a night out.
Cairney is not thought to have had cash on him, with arrangements with the driver believed to have been made for the fighter to go to a cash machine to withdraw the fare.
CCTV footage is said to have ruled out the possibility of Cairney being assaulted, with the 22-year-old thought to have fallen out of the vehicle without being pushed, sustaining a catastrophic head injury.
Cairney was later taken to Patong Hospital, before being taken to Vachira Phuket Hospital for further specialist treatment.
Thai police are said to have tracked down the registered owner of the tuk-tuk, only to learn that the man had rented it out to another person to drive as a taxi.
The driver during the fatal accident could yet face charges of negligent driving causing death, failing to stop and assist an injured person, and failing to alert the authorities.
Cairney’s boxing club, 1314, shared a touching statement online, writing that he wasn’t just a club member, but ‘family’.
‘He is a huge part of Team 1314 and someone who means so much to so many people,’ the message read. ‘His presence, his character, and the memories we shared with him will stay with us forever.
‘There are no words for a loss like this.
‘Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Colin’s family, friends, and everyone who loved him at this incredibly difficult time.
‘Colin, you will be remembered forever and will always be in our hearts. Rest easy, Champ.’
A fundraiser, initially set up by his family to raise medical costs after it was reported that he had first slipped into a coma, has since raised more than £33,0090
