Mar 20 • 07:30 UTC 🇬🇧 UK Mirror

Ricky Hatton’s final hours shared by friend as new inquest gets underway

A new inquest into the death of boxing legend Ricky Hatton has begun, six months after he was found dead at his home.

The new inquest into Ricky Hatton’s death is set to delve deeper into the circumstances surrounding the former boxing champion's untimely demise, which occurred six months ago. Initially, the investigation indicated a preliminary cause of death as 'hanging,' following which no suspicious circumstances were deemed to be involved. This reopening of the case comes as his family and friends recalled that just days before his passing, Hatton seemed to be in a good state of mind and well-being.

Paul Speak, Hatton’s close friend and manager, was the individual who discovered the boxing icon unresponsive at his home in Gee Cross, Hyde. Speak was slated to accompany Hatton on a trip to Dubai when he found him and subsequently reported the tragic news to the local police. The authorities quickly confirmed that there were no immediate signs of foul play, which led to the decision to refer the case to a coroner for further examination.

As the inquest progresses, there will be a heightened focus on exploring the events leading up to Hatton's death, including mental health considerations and how previous struggles with depression may have played a role. This inquiry is not just about uncovering the facts regarding Hatton’s death but also aims to shed light on the challenges that many athletes face post-retirement, particularly in relation to mental health issues, making it a significant moment for both sports and public awareness around these critical topics.

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