Cause of Hyde icon Ricky Hatton’s death revealed

HYDE boxing icon Ricky Hatton was found hanged at his home, the opening of an inquest into his death has heard.

The two-weight world champion’s passing on September 14 stunned his hometown, Tameside, Manchester and the boxing world.

Thousands of people lined the streets as the 46-year-old’s coffin passed through the Gee Cross area he lived in, Hattersley, where he grew up, and Hyde town centre.

And at the inquest opening on Thursday, October 16 at Stockport Coroner’s Court, it was revealed he took his own life.

It was told Ricky was found ‘unresponsive’ at his home and a provisional cause of death was given as ‘hanging.’

Police coroner’s officer Alison Catlow gave evidence at the brief hearing, at which his manager Paul Speak, who found him, was there on behalf of his family.

And coroner for south Manchester Alison Mutch said an opening was a ‘straight forward legal step’ to allow a full inquest to be heard.

“I’m going to require the full police file in relation to their investigation and to obtain statements from other witnesses, including Mr Hatton’s GP,” she said.

The court was also told manager and long-time friend Mr Speak was set accompany Ricky to Manchester Airport to catch a flight to Dubai, where he was scheduled to fight Eisa Al Dah on December 2.

Ahead of the inquest opening, Ricky’s son Campbell said: “It’s been unbelievable to see the amount of love everyone had for my dad.

“There’s a lot of comfort to take form that. It has been very up and down really.

“As a family we are trying to take each day at a time.”

A full inquest will be held on March 20 next year.