Coroner Delivers Narrative Verdict on Ricky Hatton's Death
In a tearful scene at South Manchester Coroner's Court, the family of boxing champion Ricky Hatton embraced as senior coroner Alison Mutch stated she was not satisfied he intended to take his own life. The 46-year-old was found hanged at his £1.7 million mansion on September 14 last year, with an open bottle and a half-drunk glass of wine on the bar.
Evidence of CTE and Intoxication
Coroner Mutch highlighted that Hatton left no note and was intoxicated at the time of his death, with a post-mortem revealing he was well over twice the drink-drive limit. Microscopic evidence of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), often linked to boxers due to repeated head trauma, was also found, though at a milder stage. Pathologist Dr Neil Papworth noted the injuries were consistent with hanging but could not definitively link CTE to the process.
Family's Grief and Future Plans
Hatton's son Campbell, 24, along with his father Ray and long-term friend and manager Paul Speak, attended the inquest seeking answers. The coroner emphasized that Hatton was "looking forward to the future," having made plans for holidays with his family, including trips to Dubai and Thailand. She described him as a family man who cherished his loved ones above his boxing success.
Statements from family members revealed profound grief: His mother Carol recalled his "sad eyes" in their last meeting, while his daughters sleep in his T-shirts and spray his aftershave to remember him. Campbell spoke of his father's mental health battles post-boxing, including issues with alcohol and cocaine, but noted recent improvements and a decline in short-term memory over the past few years.
Circumstances of the Death
On the morning of September 14, Paul Speak found Hatton's "cold" body in an upstairs games room after letting himself in with a key. The house was secure with no signs of disturbance, and police found nothing suspicious. Hatton had been out for a meal with his daughters and granddaughter on September 12, appearing in good spirits and sober, with his phone last used early on September 13.
The coroner concluded there was no evidence of premeditation, noting Hatton's packed bags for Dubai and arranged family visits. She expressed condolences to the family, stating they had "lost a much-loved family member" and were still grieving, with his children missing him most of all.
