A 22-year-old undefeated British boxer has died in Thailand after falling from a moving tuk-tuk during a dispute over a taxi fare on Sunday, June 14, 2026.
Colin Cairney, from Stirling, Scotland, was found unconscious and bleeding in the road outside The Nature Hotel in Phuket’s Patong district at approximately 4:10 a.m. local time. He had been traveling back to his hotel after a night out when the fatal incident occurred.
According to reports, Cairney got into a dispute with his tuk-tuk driver over payment of the fare. The driver allegedly took him to an ATM to withdraw cash, but as Cairney was stepping off the vehicle, it sped away too soon, sending him crashing head-first onto the pavement.
Medics rushed Cairney to Patong Hospital before transferring him to Vachira Phuket Hospital due to the severity of his injuries. He had suffered catastrophic head injuries and was declared clinically brain dead. Despite intensive treatment on life support, Cairney tragically passed away on June 17.
Police Major Surachat Thongyai confirmed that CCTV footage and witness accounts showed Cairney fell from the moving vehicle and was not pushed or assaulted, though authorities refused to release the video publicly. “The tourist had arrived in Phuket with relatives and friends from the UK,” the officer stated, adding that investigators believe Cairney may have been intoxicated when the incident happened.
Thai police have been attempting to trace the tuk-tuk driver involved in the incident. Officers identified the vehicle’s owner, who reportedly told them the vehicle had been leased to someone else who was using it as a taxi.
Cairney had traveled to Phuket with friends and relatives from the UK following his latest professional fight in May 2026. He was enjoying a holiday while also attending boxing training camps on the island.
The young boxer boasted a perfect 10-0 professional record, securing nine of those wins by knockout. In October 2025, he captured his first professional championship—the WBO International Youth welterweight title—by defeating Trijot Singh Bawa with a second-round stoppage in Hong Kong. He added another title to his resume in May 2026.
Team 1314 Boxing Club, the gym where Cairney worked with former Scottish champion Jamie Coyle, confirmed his death in an emotional statement posted to a fundraiser page. Thomas Donnelly wrote: “Everyone at Team 1314 is absolutely devastated by the loss of our Colin.”
Donnelly said Cairney was family and a huge part of Team 1314 who meant so much to many people, adding that his presence, character, and their shared memories would stay with them forever.
Kynoch Boxing Scotland, another organization Cairney was associated with, described him as one of the stars of their stable. In their tribute, they stated: “Inside the ring he brought excitement every time. Outside of the ring he was an absolute gentleman who was highly regarded by everyone.”
The organization noted that Cairney had a massive future in the sport, saying they would never forget him and it was an honour to be part of his life.
Boxing Scotland released a statement expressing their sadness at the loss. “Boxing Scotland are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former international boxer Colin Cairney,” they said, noting that Cairney had competed for Scotland numerous times at elite events including the European Junior Championships and the World Youth Championships.
Stirling High School, where Cairney was a former pupil, also paid tribute. “We are deeply saddened to receive the news that former pupil Colin Cairney has passed away,” the school stated. The school described Cairney as a much-loved member of their community with a promising future, extending heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.
Two separate fundraising campaigns were established to support Cairney’s family during the crisis. One fundraiser, managed by Team 1314, raised over £55,000, while another family-focused campaign raised more than £60,000 to help with medical costs and repatriation.
Cairney’s parents said they were asking with heavy hearts for help after their son was seriously injured in Thailand, describing how a normal trip had become every parent’s worst nightmare and requesting assistance to bring him home.
A Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office spokesperson confirmed they were supporting the family of a British man who died in Thailand.
Cairney’s death has sent shockwaves through the boxing community and his hometown of Stirling, with tributes pouring in from family, friends, and fellow boxers who described him as everyone’s champion and an inspiration to others.