Ricky Hatton’s family members embraced each other in court as a coroner expressed doubts about his intention to commit suicide. The inquest revealed that the 46-year-old boxing champion was discovered hanged in his residence on September 14 the previous year. His lifeless body was found in the game room of his £1.7 million home, with an open bottle and partially consumed glass of wine nearby. Despite being intoxicated at the time of his passing, the senior coroner Alison Mutch emphasized that there was no suicide note left by the boxing icon.

During the proceedings at South Manchester coroner’s court, the coroner delivered a narrative verdict indicating the presence of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) in Ricky, also known as ‘punch drunk syndrome,’ a condition often observed in boxers. She remarked that Ricky had been eagerly anticipating future plans, including family vacations, and there was no concrete evidence to suggest any suicidal intentions on his part. The emotional verdict prompted tears from Ricky’s son Campbell and other family members present at the inquest.

Campbell, accompanied by Ricky’s father Ray, long-time friend and manager Paul Speak, and Ricky’s ex-partner Jennifer Dooley, attended the proceedings seeking closure following the unexpected loss. The coroner empathized with Ricky’s family, acknowledging their enduring grief over the loss of a beloved family member. She highlighted Ricky’s deep affection for his family, stating that despite his remarkable boxing career success, his family always remained his top priority.

The coroner further emphasized the profound impact of Ricky’s absence on his children, stating that his daughters particularly felt his absence. The inquest revealed that Ricky had been in good spirits just before his death, enjoying a meal with his daughters and granddaughter. Despite ongoing struggles with mental health issues and substance abuse post-retirement, Ricky’s son highlighted his father’s positive outlook and ambitious plans for the future, indicating that his death was not premeditated.

In a touching statement, Jennifer Dooley expressed the deep bond Ricky shared with his daughters over 11 years, describing the joy they experienced in parenthood. The girls, still grappling with the loss, continue to cherish memories of their father by sleeping in his T-shirts, using his pillows, and even spritzing his aftershave to keep his memory alive.

The hearing also detailed the circumstances leading up to Ricky’s tragic demise, shedding light on his final interactions and activities. The pathologist’s report confirmed the cause of death as hanging, with evidence of CTE attributed to his boxing career. Despite the challenges Ricky faced in his post-boxing life, his positive outlook and future plans painted a picture of hope and anticipation, leaving his family and loved ones shocked by his untimely passing.