Former boxing champion found dead in the shower

Published on 29/06/2012 01:53

A FORMER champion professional boxer has died after collapsing in the shower at the age of 30.

Oil and gas worker Barrie Lee, who won the Scottish light middleweight title three times, is understood to have been on business in Ghana when his body was discovered by colleagues on Wednesday.

His devastated partner Stacey Walker and their six-year-old son Jack, of Arbroath, Angus, were last night said to be attempting to come to terms with the tragedy.

Family friend and Arbroath councillor David Fairweather, a former amateur boxer who worked closely with Mr Lee during the 56-year-old’s time as a coach at Arbroath Boxing Club, said the news was “devastating”.

Mr Fairweather said Mr Lee had been an “inspiration” to young boxers, including his own son Mark, now 23.

He said: “I knew Barrie very well and have done for a number of years – he was a really nice guy and a great boxer.

“He had stopped boxing professionally, but still kept himself very fit. My understanding is that he had gone out for a run and was discovered later in the shower by colleagues.

“I have just telephoned my son, who is in Australia, to tell him and he is very upset too. It’s very sad news.”

Mr Lee, who won his last Scottish title in 2006, is understood to have gone for a run shortly before being found dead.