Ricky Hatton was discovered deceased at his residence in Manchester last year, with injuries suggesting a hanging incident. An inquest revealed that a pathologist attributed the cause of death to hanging, ruling out any suspicious circumstances surrounding the renowned boxer’s passing. Friends and family, including Hatton’s son Campbell, attended the inquest session at Stockport coroner’s court.
Among those present were long-time friend and manager Paul Speak, Hatton’s father Ray, brother Matthew, and former partner Jennifer Dooley. The ex-world champion was found at his £1.7 million home in Hyde, Greater Manchester, on September 14, 46 years old. Paul Speak, upon finding Hatton unresponsive, reported that the boxer had last been seen alive by family members on September 12 and had seemed in good health. Hatton’s failure to attend a scheduled event the following day prompted Mr. Speak to visit his residence on September 14 for a trip to Manchester Airport.
The senior coroner for South Manchester, Alison Mutch, stated during the inquest that despite significant future plans made by Hatton, no notes were found indicating any intention to take his own life. She emphasized that based on the evidence presented, she could not conclusively determine suicide, issuing a narrative verdict instead. Mutch highlighted Hatton’s alcohol influence and the presence of chronic traumatic encephalopathy as factors affecting the case’s resolution.
Campbell Hatton conveyed that his father’s death was not premeditated, emphasizing Hatton’s positive state and ambitious future plans. The family’s testimonies revealed a decline in Hatton’s memory over the past few years, with no indications of suicidal intentions. The inquest shed light on Hatton’s struggles with substances, his loving family relationships, and his successful boxing career intertwined with familial priorities.
Post-mortem analysis detected chronic traumatic encephalopathy in Hatton’s brain, indicating the effects of repetitive head injuries common in boxing. The inquest concluded with the acknowledgment of Hatton’s family’s profound loss and ongoing grief, highlighting his deep-rooted affection for his loved ones and the unforeseen tragedy of a parent burying their child.