A coroner has concluded that it is unclear whether former boxing world champion Ricky Hatton intended to take his own life. 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.
At Stockport Coroner's Court, senior coroner Alison Mutch recorded a narrative verdict, stating she could not be satisfied that Hatton intended suicide. The inquest heard that Hatton had been 'the best he had been in years' according to his family, and had made plans for the future, including a trip to Dubai for an exhibition boxing match.
Hatton was last seen by family on 12 September, when he took his daughters and granddaughter for a meal. He failed to attend a scheduled engagement the following day, and on 14 September his manager, Paul Speak, found him unresponsive at home. Tests showed Hatton was 'well over' the drink-drive limit and had traces of cocaine and cannabis in his system.
The court also heard that Hatton had been open about his struggles with depression and substance abuse, and post-mortem evidence revealed brain damage consistent with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a condition linked to boxing. His son Campbell noted a significant decline in his father's short-term memory in recent years.
Coroner Mutch said: 'I have listened very carefully to all the evidence. When I add everything together, I cannot be satisfied he intended to take his own life. Therefore, it is not possible in law for me to conclude suicide.'
