Talented Lincolnshire boxer and 'fantastic dad', 35, died after taking drugs on night out

An inquest has heard how a talented Lincolnshire boxer and father of three died after taking drugs on a night out. Luke Smedley, from Ingoldmells, went out on the evening of November 19, 2023, and was found unresponsive at his home the following day.

The 35-year-old was transferred to the Pilgrim Hospital in Boston where CT scans showed liquid in his lungs and swelling on the brain. He was transferred to the intensive care unit but remained unconscious and died on November 21, 2023.

Coroner Marianne Johnson ruled that Mr Smedley's death was drug related. His medical cause of death included pneumonia, hypoxic brain injury and toxic effects of cocaine and methadone.

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Mr Smedley was a father and a talented amateur boxer, boasting 50 wins from 58 fights, and was in the process of turning professional before he was injured in a horrific machete attack, reports Yorkshire Live. A GoFundMe page raised nearly £4,000 following his death to help with the care of his three children and give him a good send off.

In tribute, Luke's dad Chris Smedley said: "Luke was a great lad, loved a laugh and was always doing pranks on anyone. He was a fantastic dad, brother and son, he lived for boxing and has made many friends in boxing, some becoming more like family."

He added: "Most of all thanks Big Luke for [being] a fantastic son who has made me proud so many times. Love you son, till we meet again."

His brother, Nicki Smedley, said: "Me and my shadow have now parted. He is in heaven and me, Kya and my family are finding this moment so hard.

He continued: "You [were] our Comedian/Legend and no one could touch you. You were my little brother who I looked up [to]. You, me and Kya will never be apart forever... until we meet again, we will always love you, forever and ever."