A tuk-tuk driver has reportedly confessed and is now facing charges following the death of unbeaten Scottish boxer Colin Cairney in Thailand.
A 22-year-old prospect from Stirling died at Vachira Phuket Hospital after several days in intensive care. He had suffered fatal head injuries in Phuket, just weeks after stopping Taylor Greig in four rounds in Glasgow to improve his professional record to 10-0.
According to local reports, police questioned a 34-year-old driver over the events of June 14. The driver said he had picked up Cairney and a woman from Bangla Road and was taking them toward a hotel near Kalim Beach.
The driver claimed Cairney was intoxicated and asked to stop at several ATM machines after realizing he did not have enough cash for the fare. After three unsuccessful withdrawal attempts, the driver said he decided to return Cairney to the original pickup point.
While driving along Phra Baramee Road, the driver told investigators he sensed something unusual with the vehicle but did not stop. He later realized, around two kilometres down the road, that Cairney was no longer in the tuk-tuk.
Police have charged the driver with reckless driving causing death and failing to stop, provide assistance and notify authorities. Tributes have since poured in for Cairney, who was described by his promoter as “one of the stars of our stable” and a fighter with a “massive future in the sport.”
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