A coroner has ruled that the death of former boxing world champion Ricky Hatton cannot be concluded as suicide, stating that his intention was unclear due to alcohol intoxication and evidence of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). The 46-year-old was found dead at his home in Hyde, Greater Manchester, on 14 September, with the cause of death confirmed as hanging.
Senior coroner Alison Mutch told Stockport coroner's court that there was no evidence to suggest Hatton planned to take his own life. She delivered a narrative verdict, saying: 'I cannot be satisfied he 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.'
Hatton's family described him as 'the best he had been in years' in the lead-up to his death. His son Campbell stated that the family believed the death was not premeditated, noting that his father had made 'massive plans for the future.' However, he also highlighted a significant decline in Hatton's short-term memory over the previous two to three years.
The inquest heard that Hatton was last seen by family on 12 September, when he took his daughters and granddaughter for a meal. He was due to travel to Dubai for an exhibition boxing match but failed to appear at a scheduled engagement the following day. His manager, Paul Speak, found him unresponsive on 14 September after going to his home to escort him to the airport.
Toxicology tests revealed that Hatton was 'well over' the drink-drive limit at the time of death, with traces of cocaine and cannabis also present. The former champion had been open about his struggles with depression and substance abuse. Postmortem evidence also showed brain damage consistent with CTE, a condition linked to repeated head trauma in boxing.
Hatton's former partner Jennifer Dooley described him as a devoted father who was happiest spending time with his children. The coroner's narrative verdict means the death has not been formally recorded as suicide.
