Tribute: Erin Madden
June 10, 2023 | by Chris Boyd
Tributes have poured in for 15-year-old Erin Madden, a young boxer from JCs ABC in Merseyside and Cheshire, after she lost her life swimming in open water on 1st June.
Erin was swimming with friends in Carr Mill Dam when she reportedly got into difficulty.
Her mother, Kirsty, said that her daughter was ‘capable of anything’ and had had her ‘whole life ahead of her’ in an emotional tribute shared on St Helens Borough Council Facebook page.
The local authority has issued a warning of the dangers of swimming in open water following Erin’s death.
Jill May, JCs ABC coach, says when Erin first joined the club 18 months ago, she was quietly shy.
Over this period of time, Jill watched Erin grow into a confident and promising young boxer who enjoyed all aspects of training and was preparing to get her medical.
As part of the club, Erin became fierce friends with the other members, especially the female boxers, affectionately known as ‘The Felicias’.
They wrote, “Our hearts are broken and, as a boxing family, we are devastated. Once a Felicia, always a Felicia! Forever in our corner.”
Phil Abram, Principal of Erin’s School, Outwood Academy, shared in a letter to parents, “Erin was a kind and considerate student. She had an amazing sense of humour and was strong and loyal to those around her.
“Erin was ambitious and keen to do well in her studies. Such a tragedy is hard to comprehend and our whole community is mourning the loss of a caring and fantastic young lady.”
A friend of JCs ABC will be taking part in MX Memorial Race on the 24th and 25th of June in Erin’s memory, in an effort to raise funds for her family.
To donate, message Jill May by clicking here.
England Boxing would like to express our deepest condolences to the friends and family of Erin.
For open water safety tips, please visit Royal Life Saving Society UK and RoSPA.
