The body of a young boxer who died after falling from a TukTuk in Thailand has been brought home to Scotland. Colin Cairney, 22, from Stirling, passed away at Vachira Phuket Hospital on Wednesday, June 17, after he was found unconscious on a road outside The Nature Hotel last weekend.
Details of the Incident
Colin is believed to have fallen from the vehicle, suffering severe head injuries, while travelling back to his hotel after a night out. His uncle, Ryan Aimer, announced that Colin is back on Scottish soil and thanked everyone who donated to the fundraisers that raised over £94,000. He said: "On behalf of our family, we are relieved to say that our beloved Colin Cairney is now back on Scottish soil. We would like to sincerely thank everyone for their messages, thoughts, prayers, and generous donations during this difficult time. Your kindness, support, and compassion have meant so much to us and have helped us more than words can express. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you all. The Cairney & Aimer family."
TukTuk Driver Charged
The Record previously reported that the tuk-tuk driver had been charged following the incident. Local media in Thailand identified the man as Mr Kitpong and said he had been charged with negligence, causing death and failing to stop and provide assistance, or notifying officials. The 34-year-old reportedly rented the tuk-tuk from his brother to provide passenger services and admitted to all the charges. Reports suggest the driver admitted picking up Colin and his girlfriend and taking them to a hotel near Kalim Beach. After the pair had no cash to pay the fare, they asked to be taken to an ATM. Colin was then said to have been driven to three separate ATM locations. However, he could not withdraw any cash, so the driver decided to return the passengers to the original pickup point. During questioning, Mr Kitpong reportedly claimed he was travelling at a normal speed when he sensed something was not right with the vehicle. But he did not stop to check and claimed to have only noticed Colin was not in the vehicle about two kilometres down the road.
Colin's Boxing Career
The boxer had travelled to Thailand with friends following his latest professional fight in May. He had built an unbeaten professional record of 10 wins from 10 fights, with nine victories coming by knockout. In October, he won the WBO International Youth welterweight title in Hong Kong after stopping Trijot Singh Bawa in the second round. In his most recent bout, he claimed the Commonwealth International belt with a fourth-round stoppage victory over Taylor Greig in Glasgow. Regarded as Scotland's leading young welterweight, Colin had been aiming to headline major shows and challenge for British honours in the near future.
Family Tributes
Colin's heartbroken family paid tribute to him following his tragic death. His sister, Finli Cairney, said: "You were so loved, my boy. Fighter until the end." His aunt, Caitlyn Aimer, commented: "Colin my heart is broken. There are no words to fully express the sadness of losing you, you're going to be so missed by everyone. Your memory will remain in our hearts forever. We will cherish every moment we shared with you and hold on to the beautiful memories you left behind."
