Alexander Eastwood

I am Michael James Pemberton, HM Assistant Coroner for the coroner area of Manchester (West).

On 05 July 2024 I commenced an investigation into the death of Alexander Robert  EASTWOOD aged 15. The investigation has not yet concluded, and the inquest has not been heard.

On 29 June 2024, Alexander Eastwood participated in a kickboxing competition in Wigan. He wore safety equipment including a head guard, and gloves. The fight lasted 3 x 2 minute  rounds. At the end of the contest, he appeared unwell and became unresponsive apparently suffering a seizure. Medical assistance at the match was summoned and paramedics were  called. He was taken by ambulance to Wigan Royal Albert & Edward Infirmary where a CT  scan showed he had a significant bleed on the brain. He was transferred to the Royal  Manchester Children’s Hospital in a critical condition and underwent surgery to relieve  intracranial pressure, but unfortunately further bleeds developed and despite maximal  medical intervention he deteriorated and was declared deceased on 2 July 2024.

During the course of the investigation my inquiries revealed matters giving rise to concern. In my opinion there is a risk that future deaths could occur unless action is taken. In the  circumstances it is my statutory duty to report to you. The MATTERS OF CONCERN are as follows:

1. During the current course of investigation, it is apparent that there is no guidance or regulation of contact sports involving children’s participation.
2. This is important, because no base line or minimum standards of what safeguarding or necessary risk management is set out for those who plan or organise an ‘official’ or ‘unofficial’ match where physical force may be used between or against a child  participant.
3. Under current circumstance, arrangements for each, and every contact sport contest involving a child, is left to the judgement of an organiser who may have recourse to  principles provided by a sports association, if the match is to meet official status. If a match is unofficial or unsanctioned, there is no guideline of what minimum standards

must be met to provide safeguarding for a child participant.

1. This includes

a.   no minimum standard of what medical support may be required, b.   maximum rounds or periods of rest c.    welfare checks on participants being undertaken. d.   no risk assessment and critical incident plan

1. In the current investigation, these concerns relate to the sport of Kick Boxing, but the identified issues appear to be of wider significance in terms of ‘contact ‘ sports  involving children.

In my opinion action should be taken to prevent future deaths and I believe you (and/or your organisation) have the power to take such action.