Tributes paid to Creamfields security guard Michael Smith who died 18 days after injury at festival

A security guard who died after spending 18 days fighting for his life following an injury at the Creamfields festival site has been named as Michael Smith.

The 47-year-old was injured while clearing the site in Daresbury, Cheshire, on 28 August.

Cheshire Police says Michael was taken to hospital in a serious condition.

Michael, who also goes by the nickname Bruno, died on the morning of 15 September.

Officers believe there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.

A Gofundme page has been set up by Michael's family to raise funds for the specialist unit at the Walton Centre which cared for him following the incident.

More than £3,000 has been raised so far. On the page, Michael's family wrote: "Michael aka Bruno unfortunately sustained a serious head injury whilst working at Creamfields on August 28.

"He was airlifted to hospital and subsequently transferred to the Walton Centre where he received round the clock treatment for 18 days. Unfortunately at 5am on September 15 he passed away.

"In light of the heroic efforts to save Bruno, we the family feel it only right to donate all proceeds to the specialist unit that cared so tirelessly for him. We hope by donating that this small gesture may go some way to saving someone's life in the future."

Tributes have been paid to Michael, from Newcastle-under-Lyme in Staffordshire, by readers of StokeonTrentLive.

Many of the tributes were left by colleagues or those who had been trained by Michael, who was a well-known coach at a number of gyms.

James Botham said: "You had a presence like no other. Wherever you were, you would help anybody and were the most positive and motivational person I have ever met.

"I can never thank you for all the hours you spent with me training and mentoring me, whether it was on technique, training or life itself, you were the most patient bloke on the planet! There is only one word that even remotely comes close to describing you, and that is you were a legend. Rest in peace Bruno."

Jackie Leeson added: "Bruno was such an amazing young man. I am so lucky to have enjoyed laughs and special times with him and my family.

"I can still hear him calling me 'mum' and can't believe only just over four weeks ago we video called from his holidays. RIP you wonderful young man heaven has gained a star indeed."

Leanne Cork wrote: "I can’t believe I’m reading this. RIP big Brunz, rest easy big man. Thank you for all the laughs and entertaining me through all them matchday shifts! Never be forgotten."

Lauren Amelia said: "Your energy was infectious, always smiling and never failing to make me giggle. One of the real good guys! Sending so much love to your family."

A Cheshire Police spokesperson told the Manchester Evening News: "Police have confirmed the death of a security worker following the Creamfields festival.

Michael Smith, 47, from Newcastle-under-Lyme was injured at the site on Monday 28 August after the festival had closed to the public.

"He was taken to hospital in a serious condition, but sadly died on the morning of Friday 15 September.

Police, liaising with the local authority and Health and Safety executive, have established there appear to be no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death and a file is being prepared for the coroner."

Creamfields has been approached for comment.

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