KEY POINTS

  • Liverpool sports special t-shirt to honor nine-year-old boy who was killed after being struck by lightning
  • James Milner once personally reached out to Jordan Banks for his charitable cause
  • Banks was having a one-on-one training session when he was accidentally hit by lightning

Tributes continue to pour in for the nine-year-old boy who died after he was struck by lightning on a football field in Blackpool on Tuesday while playing for the Clifton Rangers Junior Football Club.

The boy was reportedly having a one-on-one session at the time before the tragedy happened.

After learning of the horrific accident, a couple of teams honored Banks. Liverpool paid tribute to the young fan as they wore “Jordan 7” shirts as they were warming up ahead of their rescheduled match against Manchester United on Thursday.

"You'll never walk alone, Jordan Banks," read a tweet from the official Liverpool Twitter account.

Jordan was nicknamed “Mini-Milner” by his coaches, a boy who did his share of inspiring others. That included raising £2,500 ($2,500) by running 30 miles in 10 days for mental health services in honor of his uncle who took his own life in 2018.

Banks caught the eye of James Milner who personally sent the nine-year-old a video congratulating home for his incredible work. I

n the clip, he could be heard saying: “Just remember you never walk alone, all the boys are behind you… Well done, bud. You should be very proud."

Liverpool was not the only one who paid tribute to Banks. Manchester United also honored the young fan through a tweet.

It read: "The thoughts of everyone at #MUFC are with Jordan's loved ones tonight."

When lightning struck Banks, people at the venue still managed to rush him to the hospital.

Unfortunately, Banks did not make it, leaving most heartbroken at the unfortunate event that the young boy endured.

"Jordan was a shining light and an inspiration to everyone that he met. A strong, determined and courageous young man, who will be missed by everyone,” a club statement read.

Liverpool midfielder James Milner netted the late winner against Leicester
James Milner now has 12 assists for Liverpool in the Champions League. AFP / Paul ELLIS

Banks' best friend CJ was among those who mourned his untimely passing. His close pal revealed that he started crying when he found out about what happened.

CJ’s father, Chris Campbell, recalled what happened on that day. He detailed how Banks was having that session with his stepdad waiting in the car.

The nine-year-old was undergoing training with the dream of turning pro someday.

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