A coroner has concluded that the death of former boxing world champion Ricky Hatton was not a clear suicide, citing the influence of alcohol and brain damage from boxing. The 46-year-old was found dead at his home in Hyde, Greater Manchester, on 14 September, with the cause of death determined as hanging.
Senior coroner Alison Mutch told Stockport coroner’s court that she could not be satisfied Hatton intended to take his own life. “His intention remains unclear as he was under the influence of alcohol and the neuropathological postmortem found evidence of chronic traumatic encephalopathy,” she said, delivering a narrative verdict.
Hatton’s family described him as “the best he had been in years” in the lead-up to his death. He had been due to fly to Dubai for an exhibition boxing match on the day he was found. His son Campbell said the family believed the death was not premeditated, but noted a significant decline in his short-term memory over the previous two to three years.
Toxicology tests revealed Hatton was “well over” the drink-drive limit at the time of his death, with traces of cocaine and cannabis also present. He had been open about his struggles with depression and substance abuse. Postmortem evidence showed brain damage consistent with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a condition linked to repeated head trauma in boxing.
Hatton’s former partner Jennifer Dooley described him as a devoted father who doted on his children. The inquest heard he was last seen by family on 12 September, when he appeared normal and took his daughters and granddaughter for a meal.
