Former boxing champion Ricky Hatton’s death was determined to be a result of hanging, according to a pathologist’s report following his passing at his residence in Manchester. The inquest stated that there was no indication of any suspicious circumstances surrounding the incident, emphasizing that his injuries were consistent with hanging.
During the inquest proceedings, it was revealed that Hatton’s family and friends, including his son Campbell, were present at Stockport coroner’s court as the investigation into his death commenced. Additionally, his close associates, such as long-term friend and manager Paul Speak, along with his father, brother, and ex-partner Jennifer Dooley, were in attendance.
The inquest also delved into Hatton’s final days, highlighting that he was last seen alive by family members on September 12 and was reported to have appeared well. However, he failed to attend a scheduled event the following day and subsequently was discovered unresponsive at his home on September 14 by Paul Speak, who had gone to collect him for a trip to the airport.
Despite the tragic circumstances, the coroner, Alison Mutch, emphasized that there was no concrete evidence suggesting that Hatton intended to take his own life. She noted that he was making significant future plans and that no notes indicating suicidal intentions were found. The inquest concluded with a narrative verdict due to uncertainties surrounding Hatton’s intentions, his alcohol consumption, and the presence of chronic traumatic encephalopathy in his post-mortem examination.
It was also disclosed in the proceedings that Hatton had been suffering from chronic traumatic encephalopathy, a degenerative brain condition often associated with repetitive head injuries, particularly prevalent in boxers. The inquest shed light on his struggles with memory loss and cognitive impairment in his final years.
The narrative verdict underscored the loss experienced by Hatton’s family, highlighting his strong bond with his loved ones and his dedication to them. The inquest painted a picture of a man who was looking forward to the future, making plans, and showing no clear signs of intending to end his life.