Ricky Hatton was discovered deceased at his residence in Manchester last year, with injuries indicating hanging, according to a pathologist. The cause of death was officially recorded as hanging during the inquest, which found no signs of suspicious circumstances surrounding the boxing legend’s passing. Family and friends, including his son Campbell, attended the inquest at Stockport coroner’s court.
Among those present were Hatton’s long-time friend and manager Paul Speak, his father Ray, brother Matthew, and former partner Jennifer Dooley. The former world champion, aged 46, was found at his £1.7 million home in Hyde, Greater Manchester, on September 14. Paul Speak discovered him unresponsive after he was last seen alive on September 12, appearing well. Mr. Speak had gone to Hatton’s residence to take him to Manchester Airport but found him deceased.
The senior coroner for South Manchester, Alison Mutch, stated that Hatton had made significant future plans, and there were no notes indicating his intention to end his life. After a thorough review of the evidence, Mutch could not ascertain Hatton’s intent to commit suicide, leading to a narrative verdict due to alcohol influence and evidence of chronic traumatic encephalopathy from a post-mortem examination.
Hatton’s son, Campbell, expressed his belief that his father’s death was not premeditated, emphasizing that the family thought Hatton was in a good place and had optimistic plans for the future. The inquest revealed evidence of chronic traumatic encephalopathy in Hatton’s brain, linked to his boxing career, though the effects were on the milder side, causing memory loss and cognitive impairment.
Campbell Hatton also shared that his father had been open about his struggles with alcohol and drugs. Despite past issues, the family considered Hatton to be in a positive phase before his passing. The inquest highlighted the importance of mental health awareness and the impact of sports-related injuries on individuals like Hatton.