Unclear whether Ricky Hatton meant to take own life, coroner rules

Boxer Ricky Hatton had brain disease caused by repeated head trauma when he died, an inquest has ruled.

Alison Mutch, senior coroner for South Manchester, recorded a verdict of hanging, saying he was the person who caused his own death.

But she did not come to the conclusion it was suicide, saying it was unclear whether the former world champion meant to take his own life.

The inquest, in Stockport, was told that Hatton was more than twice the alcohol drink drive limit at the time of his death, aged 46, in September last year.

Ms Mutch said police found no notes or anything that gave any suggestion of an intent to take his life.

He had been under the influence of alcohol and there were also brain changes identified by the pathologist at his post mortem as chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) - a brain disease caused by repeated head trauma in contact sports like boxing.

The condition can cause mood swings, confusion and forgetfulness, things his family said they had noticed.

The coroner said it was not possible to determine how much of an impact this had had on his death, so she recorded a narrative verdict.

The inquest opened with some statements from several of Hatton's family members who painted a picture of a man who was deeply loved and appreciated by them - and for whom his death came as a shock.

His son Campbell said he was "fearless" inside the ring, but had struggled outside, having been open about his issues with mental health, drugs and alcohol.

But said before his death his father "was in the best place he'd been in years".

His former partner, Jennifer, the mother of his two daughters, echoed this. She called him an "active present and loving father - seeing the girls multiple times a week".

And she said when they went for dinner as a family on 12 September - the last time anyone saw him alive - he was making positive and detailed plans with the girls. He wanted the whole family to come and watch his upcoming fight in Dubai

The dinner was "fun" and he seemed "completely normal". After dropping his family off he told them he would see them in a couple of days.

DS Helen Grigalis from Greater Manchester Police then described the hours leading up to the boxer's death.

She said Ricky Hatton had not come out to meet his driver for an event as expected on 13 September.

His manager, Paul Speak, then arrived at his house around 6.30 in the morning the next day to pick him up for a flight to Dubai.

He tried calling him and opened the gate, and eventually used his own key.

He heard music coming from the games room - went in and found Mr Hatton already dead.

A post mortem had found evidence of alcohol being consumed in the hours before his death - when he died he was well over twice the drink drive limit - and of previous cocaine and cannabis use, but not as recently.

The inquest heard the pathologist had examined a brain sample and found changes unusual for someone his age - mostly commonly found in older adults with Alzheimers.

In 2023, the boxer spoke about his personal life and continuing mental health battles in a Sky documentary.

Hatton was the most popular British fighter of his era and tens of thousands of fans followed him to Las Vegas for his biggest fights.

"The Hitman" won the world title with a stunning win over favourite Kostya Tszyu in 2005 and went on to fight all-time greats such as Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao - ultimately losing.

In July, he announced he was coming out of retirement for a December bout in Dubai, 13 years on from his last pro fight. Hatton was meant to be flying there on the day he was found.

Thousands turned out on the streets of Greater Manchester for Hatton's funeral procession in October to pay their respects. The likes of Liam Gallagher, Andrew Flintoff, Wayne Rooney and Tyson Fury also attended.

His son, Campbell, 24, told the service: "I can't explain how much I'm going to miss you dad, and that we won't be making any new memories - but the ones we did I will cherish forever."

His daughters, Fearne, 12, and Millie, 13, also gave emotional tributes.

Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can call Samaritans for help on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org in the UK. In the US, call the Samaritans branch in your area or 1 (800) 273-TALK.

(c) Sky News 2026: Unclear whether Ricky Hatton meant to take own life, coroner rules