Jordan Banks, from the English seaside town of Blackpool, died in hospital on Tuesday after being struck by lightning on a soccer field at about 5:05 p.m., according to police.
On Thursday, the boy’s father paid tribute to him and revealed that his son’s organs had been donated.
Matt Banks said in a statement shared on Facebook by another user that his son “was and is the most amazing little person he had the biggest heart and would do anything for anyone.”
He said: “Even now his kindness has meant that 3 other children may be able to live as he always told us he wanted to be able to help other people if he could so was a donor and has donated which we know will be what he wanted.”
In England, children can put themselves on the organ donor register with the permission of their parents and guardians.
Matt Banks’s message, shared alongside photos of him and his son, continued: “Literally words can’t even explain how heartbroken I am.. not only have I lost my little boy I have lost my little best mate we would sit and talk for hours about his future and he would always ask me what I wanted his children to call me and we both decided on papi…”
Tributes have been pouring in for the boy—who played for Clifton Rangers Junior Football Club—including from the England national soccer team and Liverpool FC, the club that Jordan adored.
On Wednesday, Deputy Speak of the House of Commons Nigel Evans said in Parliament: “On behalf of the Speaker and the British Parliament, I should like to send our condolences to his family, to all his teammates at Clifton Rangers junior football club and to all his friends. The hearts of the British Parliament, and our love, go to you all.”
In a statement shared with police, his family said: “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.”
A GoFundMe page has been set up on the behalf of his family, raising almost £80,000 ($113,000) in two days.
