‘There are no words for a loss like this’
20:48, 17 Jun 2026Updated 20:52, 17 Jun 2026
Colin Cairney tragically died.(Image: Daily Record)
A champion Scottish boxe r who was left fighting for his life in a Thailand hospital after suffering a catastrophic head injury has tragically died. Colin Cairney, 22, had been receiving intensive treatment and was on life support after he was found unconscious on a road outside The Nature Hotel in Phuket’s Patong district on Saturday morning.
He is understood to have fallen from a tuk-tuk following a reported disagreement with the driver. His death has since been confirmed in tributes from his boxing clubs, school, and wider community in Stirling, with those who knew him describing him as a talented fighter and well-liked young man with a bright future.
Team 1314 Boxing Club, where Colin trained under former Scottish champion Jamie Coyle, said he was “family” in an emotional fundraiser update. Thomas Donnelly said: “Everyone at Team 1314 is absolutely devastated by the loss of our Colin.
“Colin isn’t just a member of our club, he is family. He is a huge part of Team 1314 and someone who means so much to so many people. His presence, his character, and the memories we shared with him will stay with us forever.
“There are no words for a loss like this. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Colin’s family, friends, and everyone who loved him at this incredibly difficult time.
“Colin, you will be remembered forever and will always be in our hearts. Rest easy, Champ. Team1314 Always.”
Kynoch Boxing Scotland also paid tribute, describing Colin as one of the “stars” of their stable and saying he had a “massive future in the sport”, reports The Daily Record.
They said: “We are devastated at the news of Colin’s passing at just 22 years of age. Colin was one of the stars of our stable.
“Inside the ring he brought excitement every time. Outside of the ring he was an absolute gentleman who was highly regarded by everyone.
“In October he claimed his first professional title over in Hong Kong. This was a special trip which we will always remember. Last month he added yet another title to his resume and he had a massive future in the sport.
“Our thoughts are with Colin’s family and friends at this time. We won’t forget you Colin. It was an honour to be part of your life.”
Stirling High School, where he was a former pupil, said they were “deeply saddened” by the news. The school said: “We are deeply saddened to receive the news that former pupil Colin Cairney has passed away.
“Colin was a much loved member of our school community who had a promising future ahead of him. We send our heartfelt condolences to his family and many friends at this extremely difficult time.”
Local reports previously stated that Cairney had been travelling back to his hotel in a tuk-tuk after a night out when CCTV allegedly captured the driver taking him to an ATM to pay his fare before passing his destination.
He is believed to have fallen from the vehicle shortly afterwards, suffering severe head injuries. The driver reportedly failed to stop, and Thai police have been attempting to trace the individual involved.
Officers previously identified the tuk-tuk’s owner, who said it had been rented out to another person operating it as a taxi. Colin had travelled to Thailand with friends following his latest professional fight in May.
He had built an unbeaten professional record of 10 wins from 10 fights, with nine victories coming by knockout. In October, he won the WBO International Youth welterweight title in Hong Kong after stopping Trijot Singh Bawa in the second round.
In his most recent bout, he claimed the Commonwealth International belt with a fourth-round stoppage victory over Taylor Greig in Glasgow.
Regarded as one of Scotland’s leading young welterweights, Colin had been aiming to headline major shows and challenge for British honours in the near future.