Ricky Hatton was discovered deceased at his residence in Manchester last year, with injuries that were indicative of hanging, according to a pathologist’s report presented during an inquest. The pathologist concluded that the cause of death was hanging and found no signs of suspicious circumstances surrounding the death of the former boxing champion.
During the inquest proceedings at Stockport coroner’s court, close friends and family, including his son Campbell, gathered. Further attendees included his long-term friend and manager Paul Speak, Ricky’s father Ray, brother Matthew, and former partner Jennifer Dooley. Hatton, aged 46, was found at his £1.7 million home in Hyde, Greater Manchester, on September 14, 2023.
Paul Speak, who discovered Hatton unresponsive at his residence, mentioned that Hatton had last been seen alive by family members on September 12 and seemed well. Hatton’s failure to attend a scheduled event the following day raised concerns, prompting Mr. Speak to visit Hatton’s home on the morning of September 14 to accompany him to Manchester Airport.
The coroner, Alison Mutch, emphasized that despite the presence of alcohol and evidence of chronic traumatic encephalopathy in the post-mortem examination, there was no indication of suicidal intent. The narrative verdict concluded that Hatton’s intentions remained unclear due to the influence of alcohol and brain pathology.
Hatton’s family described him as a devoted family man who had significant future plans and showed no signs of planning to end his life. The inquest highlighted Hatton’s positive outlook on the future and his commitment to his family. Additionally, post-mortem evidence revealed signs of chronic traumatic encephalopathy, a degenerative brain disease associated with repetitive head injuries common in boxing.