A Day That Started Like Any Other
On an ordinary spring day in March 2021, 17-year-old Luke Bennett set out to do something he loved — play football with his friends. He had no idea that it would be the last time his father would see him alive. What began as an afternoon of fun at Euxton Villa Football Club in Lancashire turned into a heartbreaking tragedy that stunned a community and devastated a family.
Luke, a promising young footballer from Chorley, had gathered with seven friends for a casual kickabout, a ritual he’d done countless times before. But this day ended in catastrophe after a freak accident involving a metal pole and a high-voltage overhead power line.
What Happened at Euxton Villa FC
The Playful Moment That Turned Fatal
According to testimony given at the inquest held at County Hall in Preston, Luke and his friends had been enjoying themselves for most of the day. As the sun began to set around 6 p.m., Luke, along with two friends — Lewis Geszke and Ben Wilcock — began “messing about” with a metal pole. The pole, typically used to mark the area between the substitutes’ bench and the pitch, became a central object in a moment of tragic misjudgment.
In an apparent attempt to straighten the pole, the boys held it upright, unaware of the danger looming above. The metal came dangerously close to, or possibly made contact with, an 11,000-volt overhead power cable. In an instant, a massive electric current surged through the pole and into the bodies of the three boys, hurling them to the ground.
Luke’s Final Moments
In the immediate aftermath of the shock, Luke briefly stood up. But before his friends could fully comprehend what had happened, he collapsed. The scene was chaotic, terrifying, and surreal. Lewis and Ben, also electrocuted, were briefly knocked unconscious. When they regained consciousness, they saw CPR being performed on Luke. Emergency services rushed to the scene, but despite their best efforts, there was nothing more they could do. Luke’s heart had sustained such severe electrical damage that he was pronounced dead just before 7 p.m.
Credit: SWNS
The Devastation of a Family
A Father’s Last Goodbye
Luke’s father, Thomas Bennett, spoke bravely at the inquest. Visibly emotional, he recalled the last time he saw his son — the simple act of dropping him off at the club, something he had done countless times.
“I dropped him off, up the drive, which I’ve done dozens of times,” he told the court. He couldn’t have imagined that this ordinary act would become one of his most painful memories.
When asked how the family was coping, Thomas replied with tears, “Day by day. It hasn’t been easy.”
The grief etched in his voice was not just for a son lost, but for the immense potential, the irreplaceable joy, and the infectious energy that Luke brought to everyone around him.
Remembering the Kind of Boy Luke Was
“He was very much the life and soul of the party,” Thomas said, smiling through his sorrow. “His personality was really quite infectious. He was very out-going and was riding a bike before you were supposed to. He just got on with things.”
Luke had always shown a natural gift for sport — excelling at nearly everything he tried without much practice. He was a lad always on the move, always eager to kick a ball around, ride his bike, or visit friends. “It was amazing how he could do something without any real practice. He just seemed to excel,” his father said.
A Rising Star in Football
Luke’s Football Journey
Luke Bennett’s football journey was one that many young players dream of. He had spent time at several elite youth academies, including Blackburn Rovers, Burnley FC, and Preston North End. Each step of the way, his raw talent and work ethic set him apart.
Eventually, he found a home at AFC Fylde, where he played as a winger — a role that suited his speed, creativity, and dynamic presence on the pitch. Coaches and teammates alike recognized Luke’s natural ability, his flair for the game, and above all, his positive spirit.
The Impact on AFC Fylde
The football community was shaken by Luke’s sudden death. AFC Fylde released an emotional statement that captured just how deeply the loss was felt:
“It is with deep sadness and sorrow that we must share the tragic news that AFC Fylde youth player Luke Bennett has passed away at the age of 17.
Learning the news on Saturday evening has left us absolutely devastated and heartbroken. All our love goes out to Luke’s family and friends at this cruel and difficult time.
Above all, Luke was a kind, popular young man who was much loved by his teammates and coaches.
He was somebody who could instantly light up a room with his bubbly personality. Then, on the field, he was a naturally gifted footballer who excelled every time he represented AFC Fylde.
The pain of Luke’s sudden and untimely passing will be felt by our football club, supporters and all who ever had the pleasure of knowing him.
Rest in peace, ‘Lukey B’. The memory of you will always be in our hearts.”
The Inquest and Investigation
A Preventable Tragedy?
The inquest into Luke’s death offered a sobering look into the dangers posed by overhead power lines — particularly when combined with conductive materials like metal poles. Though the boys had not intended any harm, the consequences of their actions were fatal.
An important revelation during the inquest was that bystanders were warned not to touch Luke until emergency services arrived. This advice, although medically sound given the risk of residual electricity, added to the helplessness of those present.
It was also revealed that Luke’s heart had “completely stopped” by the time paramedics arrived. The electric shock had inflicted damage so severe that survival would have been extremely unlikely, even with immediate medical intervention.
Lessons From the Tragedy
Luke’s death raises critical questions about awareness and safety in youth sports environments. While power lines are often marked and regulated, their proximity to areas where young people play is an ongoing concern. The coroner’s report and any resulting recommendations may inform future safety protocols at grassroots football clubs and public spaces.
A Community United in Grief
Vigils, Tributes, and Memorials
Following Luke’s passing, tributes poured in from across the UK. Friends, teammates, coaches, and even rival clubs paid their respects. Vigils were held in Chorley and at AFC Fylde’s grounds. Local teams observed moments of silence before matches. Social media was flooded with messages of condolence, memories, and photographs celebrating Luke’s life.
Some of his friends even created armbands and custom jerseys in his honor — each bearing his nickname “Lukey B.”
Supporting the Bennett Family
The footballing world and the broader Chorley community rallied around the Bennett family. Crowdfunding campaigns were launched to help with funeral expenses and to support Luke’s parents and brother Dylan. Schools and sports organizations provided counseling and mental health resources for those affected by the tragedy.
The Ripple Effect: Youth, Risk, and Education
Raising Awareness Among Young Athletes
Luke’s story is a heartbreaking reminder of how fragile life can be — and how quickly a moment of fun can turn deadly. It underscores the importance of electrical safety education, particularly for young athletes who may encounter potentially hazardous environments while playing outdoors.
Clubs, schools, and sports organizations can take steps to educate young players on the dangers of power lines, the risks of using equipment improperly, and how to respond in emergencies.
A Legacy of Caution and Care
Luke’s legacy, while rooted in heartbreak, may also inspire change. His tragic death could lead to improvements in the design and maintenance of playing fields, better safety signage near power lines, and stronger guidance from local councils and football associations.
If even one life is saved because of increased awareness brought on by Luke’s story, then some small measure of good may come from an otherwise senseless loss.
Remembering Luke Bennett
Luke Bennett’s death was more than a tragic accident — it was the sudden silencing of a bright, promising voice. A young man who could light up a room, dominate on the pitch, and inspire laughter among friends is no longer here. But his memory lives on through the people who loved him, the players he inspired, and the community that refuses to forget him.
For his father Thomas, his mother, and older brother Dylan, the loss is unimaginable. But the strength they’ve shown in the face of grief — in speaking at the inquest, in sharing their memories — has helped the world see not just the tragedy of Luke’s death, but the beauty of his life.
Final Thoughts
Luke Bennett’s passing is a stark and painful reminder of how fleeting life can be. It teaches us not just about the risks young people face in everyday play but also about the importance of love, community, and memory. His story should never have ended this way, but it can still serve as a powerful call for vigilance, education, and change.
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