Ricky Hatton explanation for dying examined as son says he appeared to be in ‘greatest place’

Former world champion boxer Ricky Hatton was found dead at his home in Hyde, Greater Manchester, last September aged 46,

Boxing legend Ricky Hatton’s son has said his dad seemed to be in the “best place he had been for years” before his death. The British sporting icon was discovered dead aged 46 at his home in Hyde, Greater Manchester, on September 14 last year, sending shockwaves through the boxing world.

Police said at the time that no suspicious circumstances were believed to surround the tragedy with senior coroner Alison Mutch provide the provisional cause of death as ‘hanging’.

The full inquest has now opened today at South Manchester Coroners’ Court in Stockport with the boxing legend’s last moments under the microscope.

Ahead of the inquest, Hatton’s family, including his son, Campbell, were pictured arriving at court with Hatton’s father, Ray, and his agent, Paul Speak. His brother, Matthew is also in attendance as well as the mother of Ricky’s two daughters, Jennifer Dooley.

In a statement read out to the court, Ricky Hatton’s son Campbell said his father was ‘very happy, always very laid back, except when it came to sport’.

“He lived his life in and out of the ring at a hundred per cent and as he always said he never regretted it,” said Campbell.

He said his father was ‘fearless’, but had problems with his mental health, and was ‘always generous with people around him’.

He had mental health ‘battles’ and alcohol issues, and went into the Priory, the inquest heard.

“We felt he had been in the best place he had been in for years,” his son added.

Son Campbell said in the statement there was a ‘decline’ in his father’s ‘short-term memory’ over recent years.

He would forget conversations, including one on the Friday evening before his death, the inquest heard

He sometimes showed ‘how confused and forgetful he could be’, Campbell said.

The family, however, believed Hatton was ‘the best he had been for years’ at the time of his death, the inquest heard.

Campbell said he believed his father’s death ‘wasn’t premeditated’.

Hatton had planned a trip to Dubai and then to Thailand, which he was excited about, his son added in his statement to the court.

Hatton’s friend and manager Paul Speak made the grim discovery after arriving at his house to take him to the airport, the Manchester Evening News reports.

Ahead of the inquest, Speak told Boxing News of that moment. He said: “The lights weren’t on, which I thought was strange. I thought he’d overslept, but it’s not unusual. People do oversleep.

“So, I went inside – I have a key – shouting, ‘Rick, Rick, wake up! I heard music coming from upstairs, so I went upstairs… I took a look at him… I had to take some time to process it.

“I was in a state of shock and confusion and loss and many more emotions,” he added. “Then I called the police and the ambulance. But I firmly believe he didn’t intend to do it. It’s for the coroner to determine, but he had it all to live for.”

Insisting that Hatton – who had been candid about his battles with mental health in recent years – had been “in a really good place” prior to his sudden death, Speak continued: “He’d arranged to take his daughters to see Oasis next week.

“He was planning to go to Thailand for the WBC convention and a holiday after his fight. He’d just booked a flight to Tenerife for Christmas. I want to get the truth out, otherwise people will just speculate.”

Thousands of mourners packed the streets of Manchester to honour Hatton before his funeral service at the city’s cathedral in October, with Wayne Rooney and Liam Gallagher amongst those in attendance.

During the service, the former champion boxer’s 13-year-old daughter Millie delivered a heartbreaking eulogy, asking him “why didn’t you reach out?”.

Speaking to the crowded cathedral, she said: “I can’t help but think about how you will never walk me down the aisle, how you will never meet my children and your grandchildren, how you won’t be here to see me leave school or even see me grow into an adult.

“Why did you feel that way? Why didn’t you reach out about how you felt? I genuinely hope you don’t ever think you have let me down, because I would never think that. I love and miss you unconditionally.”

Hatton’s heartbreaking demise prompted a nationwide outpouring of grief after he was laid to rest in October. Fans filled the streets of his hometown before a service was held at Manchester Cathedral.

Thousands paid their respects to Hatton, with the cream of British boxing in attendance including Tyson Fury, Tony Bellew and Frank Bruno, along with former England cricket captain Andrew Flintoff and ex-Manchester United ace Wayne Rooney, were among those who attended the cathedral. Hatton’s three children gave heartfelt tributes during the ceremony before the memorial procession made its way to the Etihad Stadium, home to Hatton’s much-loved Manchester City.

In recent months, it was also revealed that Ricky had earned a lot for his various bouts throughout his career. It’s estimated that he received roughly £5million alone for his fight against, Floyd Mayweather and almost double that for his clash with Manny Pacquiao.

But despite him eventually losing these two matches, the boxing star’s stats were phenomenal, having won 45 of his 48 matches. This also helped him rack up an impressive net worth of around £35million at the time of his death.

The Ricky Hatton Foundation pledged after his death to carry his ‘spirit forward’ by backing ‘those facing their own fights with mental illness’ and ‘ensuring that no one ever has to face those battles alone’.

The Daily Star joined forces with The Manchester Evening News in a campaign to continue Ricky Hatton’s legacy regarding men’s mental health.

Following his death we’re raising funds for Andy’s Man Club and the Campaign Against Living Miserably, two charities that were very close to the former world champion’s heart.

If you’re struggling and need to talk, the Samaritans operate a free helpline open 24/7 on 116 123. Alternatively, you can email [email protected] or visit their site to find your local branch.

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