A TALENTED young boxer tragically died after being hit by a lorry following a night out drinking with friends, an inquest heard.
Leo Mountain, 18, was lying on the A623 Bay Gateway Motorway, Morecambe, in the early hours of the morning when he was struck on April 20.
Leo Mountain with his father[/caption]
The driver behind the wheel of the lorry described seeing what looked like a “black bin bag” on the road just seconds before the 18-year-old was hit.
The North West regional champion boxer had “high levels of alcohol in his system” and had been put in a taxi by his friends earlier in the night, an inquest heard.
After leaving the taxi and walking around Morecambe, the young man ended up lying down on the road where he was struck.
The Area Coroner Emma Mather said: “This is an unbelievably tragic case and I am so sorry to his family.
“I can’t quite imagine the loss his family must be feeling right now, he sounds like a lovely young man.
“This has had a significant impact on the driver of the lorry too.”
Coroner Mather added: “I do not believe that there was any opportunity to avoid the collision, there was only one to two seconds from seeing something in the road.”
The conclusion of the inquest was that Leo died due to a road traffic collision.
Leo was a local boxing star who became North West regional champion in September 2024.
The youngster had been going from strength to strength before his tragic death on April 20 this year.
At the time of his death, Leo was described as having a “champion’s heart” in and out of the ring.
A member of Coastal Amateur Boxing Club, Leo was also said to be “one of the loveliest, politest boxers from the loveliest family that you would ever be likely to meet”.
“Leo was a fantastic young man, an absolute credit to himself and his family,” the club said in a statement.
“Every boxer, coach and supporter had nothing but love for Leo, he was one of those people you couldn’t help but love.
“He had an infectious personality, brought laughter and light to every room.”
The heartfelt statement continued: “In boxing terms, Leo most recently became a North West Region champion, which we know he, his family and the club took great pride in. He was a very talented boxer, had a great attitude and loved to box.
“Leo had a champions heart in and out the ring. To think his cheeky smile, his jokes and his presence won’t be seen any longer is just unthinkable, he had so much to offer this world, his journey had only just started.
“Leo, you are a son, grandson, brother, friend, gentleman, fighter and a boxer.
“You’re respected by many, loved by many and….a CHAMPION. Forever in our hearts and minds, you’ll always be missed.
“All the clubs thoughts are with Leo’s family, we can’t imagine what they’re going through.”
A GoFundMe was set up by Stephen Tallo-Brady from Tameside Elite Boxing Academy to help raise money for Leo’s family.
It has raised nearly £10,000 and you can donate here.