The local community is mourning the loss of a “outgoing and popular” teenager who tragically died at an indoor go-karting centre after suddenly falling ill. Aiden Cotton, 19, was involved in a “tragic accident” at TeamSport Go Karting in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, on Friday January 31 at around 8.15pm.
Despite the rapid response of emergency services to the Burslem venue following reports of Aiden suffering a cardiac arrest, their efforts were in vain as he was pronounced dead at the scene. In the wake of this heartbreaking event, Aiden’s devastated cousin has initiated a fundraiser to support the family with funeral expenses.
Kelly Cotton paid homage to her cousin, saying: “As the cousin to Aiden and behalf of his mum, dad and sisters I’d just like to express what a very kind-hearted hard-working teenager he was.
“He was very outgoing and did anything for anybody, he was one of a kind. He is going to be missed sorely by all his loved ones, family and friends, our hearts are broken. Aiden loved his car, family outings and enjoyed spending time with his mates at weekends.
“It hasn’t been easy for any part of the family since receiving the absolute devastating news Friday. It has caused so much heartache, not even knowing what went on is agonising. We just want to thank everyone for all the sympathy cards, messages, flowers, donations and support, it’s heartwarming to see how popular and well-liked Aiden was.”
Kelly has clarified that Aiden’s tragic death was not due to a go-kart collision, but rather what is believed to be a “medical episode”. She stated: “But we’re not 100%. Investigations are being carried out and a post mortem will then take place to find the course of death.”
The fundraising page shares a heartfelt message: “Hi everyone, as most may well be aware or seen the posts that unfortunately there was a tragic accident that took place at the go karting place in burslem Friday night and that accident was with a very heavy heart involving my cousin Aiden Cotton who tragically lost his life at the age of 19 at the scene.”
“With the permission off his mum and dad Mark and Nikki I’ve had the go ahead to ask anybody with their own heartfelt sympathies that we could kindly ask for a very small donation to support the costs of the funeral etc to be covered without the family worrying any further. Thanks in advance for the suport [sic], sympathy, messages and donations it will all mean a lot and be very much appreciated.”
Staffordshire Police have confirmed that the incident is not being treated as suspicious and that the coroner has been notified. A spokesperson from the force reported: “We were called to TeamSport Go Karting Stoke following reports of a cardiac arrest. Paramedics from West Midlands Ambulance Service were already there and found a man in his late teens unresponsive at the scene.”
In a tragic turn of events, a spokesperson for the West Midlands Ambulance Service confirmed: “Sadly, he was later pronounced dead. The death is not being treated as suspicious and a file will be prepared for HM Coroner. Our thoughts remain with the man’s family at this difficult time.”
They further detailed the incident, stating: “We were called to an incident at Teamsport Go Karting Stoke on Waterloo Road, Stoke on Trent at 7.54pm on Friday 31st January. We sent two ambulances, a paramedic officer and a BASICS emergency doctor to the scene where, on arrival, crews found a male teenager.
“Ambulance staff immediately began administering advanced life support however, despite best efforts, nothing could be done to save him and he was declared dead at the scene.”