Inquest into Kickboxing Death

Carwyn Cox, instructed by Kate Prestidge, Partner at DAC Beachcroft, represented Kickboxing GB at the inquest into the death of Alex Eastwood in the Coroner’s Court at Bolton.  Alex was 15 years old when he took part in a light contact kickboxing fight in a ring at a venue in Wigan.  Following the end of the fight, Alex collapsed.  First Responders at the scene suspected he had suffered a head injury.  An ambulance arrived shortly afterwards and he was taken to a hospital in Wigan in order to secure his airway and for a scan to be carried out. This showed that he suffered an acute subdural haematoma.  He was then taken to Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital.  Surgery was carried out, but despite the best efforts of those treating him, Alex tragically passed away a couple of days later.

Carwyn attended two pre inquest review hearings at which the scope was defined and the relevant witnesses needed to give oral evidence were confirmed.  The Coroner took the unusual step of issuing a prevention of future death report prior to the hearing of the evidence in the case such was his concern as to how combat sports and contact sports were regulated.

Kickboxing GB were an interested person at the inquest as they were a governing body of the sport.  They were not the only governing body and the fight that Alex took part in was not one that they did or could have sanctioned. The inquest, attended by Carwyn and Kate, explored the background to the fight, the fight itself, the aftermath and the medical care that Alex received.

Alex was an extremely capable kickboxer and a six time world champion under the World Kickboxing Council governing body, which is separate to KBGB.  The Inquest heard that he trained every day and sparred twice a week.  He had taken part in a mat based competition the week before the tragedy where he took part in eight bouts, including one against a 37 year old.  The Coroner raised concerns about how this was allowed to take place.

When it came to the fight itself, Alex was matched against a similar opponent.  The fight was part of a fundraising event organised by a gym in order to send one of their fighters to a World Championship event.  The style of fighting was said to be a light contact event, where the competitors do punch and kick, but do not use full force.  This was to take place inside a ring.  KBGB do not sanction events of that nature.

The organiser of the event had arranged for two advanced first aiders to be present at the fight.  It was refereed and judged by officials who were affiliated to other kickboxing organisations.

Carwyn and Kate identified early after they were instructed that there was a need to explain how Kickboxing is governed in the UK.  They prepared more detailed statements on behalf of KGBG and gained a deep understanding of the various ways in which this sport operates.  What is clear is that there is no one regulatory body, however KBGB do have detailed policies and procedures in place.  The witness that gave evidence at the Inquest on behalf of KBGB was able to explain to the Coroner how they operate and why the fight that took place was not one that could have been sanctioned by KBGB.

In addition to the evidence around the fight itself the Coroner considered the complicated medical evidence hearing from a number of medical practitioners including those at ringside, the first responders, paramedics, accident and emergency consultants, an anaesthetist and neurologists.

The Coroner concluded that Alex died as a result of misadventure.  The inquest has attracted significant media interest. Links to some of the published content are provided below:

• BBC
• ITV
• The Telepraph
• The Independent

Carwyn is a senior member of Chambers’ Inquests Team, acting for a wide range of clients, often those who are interested parties. For further information on Carwyn’s practice please contact the clerks.

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