Talented kickboxer Scott Marsden, 14, dies after collapsing in national title bout

Tragedy: Teenager Scott Marsden dies during kickboxing title fight in Leeds
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A teenage kickboxing champion has tragically died after collapsing towards the end of a national tournament.

Scott Marsden, 14, was taken to hospital in Leeds after needing urgent medical attention during a title fight on Saturday.

The 14-year-old, who won a 50kg gold title at the World Kickboxing Association finals in Spain, was rushed to hospital after blacking out in the final seconds.

Family friend Charlotte Rowlett paid tribute to the teenager after announcing that he died "surrounded by his family and people who love him" on Monday.

Facebook posts from Marsden's All Styles Kickboxing in Sheffield, where Scott was a member, described how the fight at Leeds Martial Arts College in Morley was stopped on Saturday night.

The message said: "Unfortunately, [Saturday] night's English title fight had to be stopped due to Scotty needing immediate medical attention."

Tragedy: Scott Marsden died during the English title fight in Leeds
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It continued: "There was no way to foresee the fight ending in such a way as at no point were either ever in any overwhelming danger from each other.

"Everyone is still in shock as there were simply no signs to suggest the fight needed to be stopped.

"The referee stepped in to protect Scott as soon as he could, which meant Scott did not hit the canvas and was laid down and straight into recovery position."

Police are investigating the circumstances of his death but said they are not treating the incident as suspicious.

An online fundraising page has been set up following the teenager’s death.

Family friend Charlotte Rowlett, who set up the site, said: "Everything Scotty did he did with passion and a confidence that was a pleasure to behold.

“He was the most wonderful, talented boy and the loss of him will leave a hole in so many people's lives.

"Scott was not only a kick boxer though, he is a son, a brother, a grandson, a nephew, a cousin and a friend.

"No amount of money can take away the pain his family are feeling today and always, but no family should ever have to cater for coping with the loss of a 14-year-old boy, with his whole life ahead of him."

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