Coroner Delivers Moving Tribute at Ricky Hatton Inquest
Senior coroner Alison Mutch delivered a heartfelt tribute during the inquest into the death of boxing legend Ricky Hatton, emphasising that there was no evidence he had "any intention to take his own life." The 46-year-old former world champion was found hanged at his home in Hyde, Greater Manchester, on September 14 last year, but the coroner noted he was "clearly a man who was looking forwards and making plans."
Family's Love and Grief Highlighted
The hearing at South Manchester Coroner's Court heard that Hatton's love for his family always came first, despite his "incredible success as a boxer." His son Campbell, 24, and other family members were moved to tears as the coroner described how they had "lost a much loved family member and were still grieving." Campbell testified that his father was the "best he'd been in years and made massive plans for the future," leading the family to believe his death was "not premeditated."
Coroner Mutch addressed Hatton's father Ray, who attended with Campbell, expressing sympathy for the loss of his son. She stated, "It is a tragedy, no parent ever expects to bury their child," and highlighted that Hatton's children "miss him most of all." The narrative verdict underscored that Hatton's family remained the most important aspect of his life, and it was "very clear that his family loved him very much."
Details of the Tragic Incident
Hatton was discovered in the games room of his £1.7 million mansion by his friend and manager, Paul Speak, who had arrived to take him to the airport for a flight to Dubai. Speak found Hatton's body "cold" and unresponsive at 6:30 am on September 14. Prior to this, Hatton had taken his daughters Millie, 13, and Fearne, 12, along with his seven-year-old granddaughter Lyla out for dinner on September 12, where he appeared his normal, happy self.
The following day, a driver attempted to collect Hatton for a boxing event in Bolton at 5:30 pm and again two hours later, but received no answer. Tests revealed Hatton was intoxicated at the time of his death, with an open bottle and a half-drunk glass of wine found at the scene. However, no suicide note was left, and he had been actively making plans with his children, including their anticipation of his return to the boxing ring in Dubai later in the year.
Health Concerns and Family Struggles
Pathologist Dr Neil Papworth's post-mortem examination revealed microscopic evidence of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a brain disease associated with repeated head trauma common in boxers and footballers, which can lead to memory loss and cognitive impairment. Campbell noted a "significant decline" in his father's short-term memory, and Hatton's ex-girlfriend Jennifer Dooley, 44, mother of his two daughters, described him as "forgetful and disorganised."
The emotional toll on Hatton's family was palpable, with his daughters struggling to cope by sleeping in his T-shirt, using his pillow, and spraying his aftershave to feel close to him. In a statement, his mother Carol recalled their last meeting two days before his death, where they discussed his loneliness living alone and his children not using the pool. She remarked that his "eyes were sad," and the hug he gave her "almost broke my ribs."
This inquest has shed light on the complex circumstances surrounding Ricky Hatton's passing, blending personal tributes with factual details to honour his legacy and the profound impact on his loved ones.
