Tributes have been paid to a ‘hard-working’ teenager who died at a popular go-karting centre while enjoying a night out with friends.
Emergency services rushed to the TeamSport Go Karting venue in Stoke-on-Trent after Aiden Cotton, 19, fell ill last Friday at around 8.15pm.
Despite paramedic’s best efforts Aiden was pronounced dead a the centre, which is based in the Burslem area of the city.
A fundraiser has now been set up to by the bricklayer’s heartbroken cousin to help his family raise money to cover funeral costs.
Paying tribute, Kelly Cotton said: ‘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 agononising.
‘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 confirmed there was no go-kart collision involved and his death was believed to be a ‘medical episode’.
She added: ‘But we’re not 100 per cent. Investigations are being carried out and a post mortem will then take place to find the course of death.’
One friend paid tribute on X, writing: ‘Just want to take a minute to post about my late pal, one of the most caring loving souls I could imagine.
‘In what was supposed to be a fun night turned into something tragic, even a small donation towards his family would be appreciated.’
A fundraiser on Gofundme has so far raised £7,880 towards its £9,000 target.
The page reads: ‘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, sympathy, messages and donations it will all mean a lot and be very much appreciated.’
The John Marstons pub in Stoke-on-Trent will also be holding a fundraiser to help cover funeral costs.
They wrote on Facebook: ‘As you may all be aware from the news and fb, A very young man Aiden Cotton lost his life on Friday whilst out with his friends.
‘Aiden was a lovely polite young man that spent alot of time with us here at The John Marstons and this heartbreaking news has come as a huge shock to us all.
‘We are asking for your help to raise funds for his family, We will be having Aidens Day on the 16th February here at the john marstons.’
Another friend wrote on Facebook: ‘Absolutely heartbroken and shocked by the tragic karting accident at TeamSport on Friday night.
‘What should have been a fun night turned into a tragedy. Nine friends went out, but only eight returned home.
‘There are no words for such a devastating loss. Thinking of Aiden’s family, friends, Brenny and all the boys who shared that final lap with him
‘Taken far too soon, but his memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.’
Staffordshire Police said the death was not being treated as suspicious and the coroner will be informed.
A force spokesperson said: ‘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. 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.’
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesperson said: ‘We were called to an incident at Teamsport Go Karting Stoke on Waterloo Road, Stoke on Trent at 7.54pm on Friday, January 31.
‘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.’
