An inquest into the death of former world champion Ricky Hatton has concluded that it was not clear he intended to take his own life.
The 46-year-old, who passed away in September last year, had been described by his family as being in good spirits and “doing the best in years” despite previous struggles with alcohol and drugs. On the evening before his death, Hatton spent time with his daughters and granddaughter, taking them out for a meal and appearing relaxed and positive.
He had been preparing for a trip to Dubai, where he was scheduled to take part in an exhibition boxing match, and told his family he would see them again in a couple of days. However, after missing an engagement the following day, he was found unresponsive at his home in Hyde, Greater Manchester, by his manager on the morning he was due to travel.
The inquest confirmed the cause of death as hanging, with toxicology reports showing Hatton was “well over” the drink-drive limit. Traces of past cocaine and cannabis use were also identified, while a postmortem revealed evidence of chronic traumatic encephalopathy, a condition associated with boxing.
Senior coroner Alison Mutch stated that no suicide note was found and there was no evidence suggesting Hatton had planned to take his own life. “He had made significant future plans,” she said. “When I add everything together, I cannot be satisfied he intended to take his own life.”
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