An ex-Cardiff City player hit his head and died after falling down stairs at a pub in a pretend fight with friends, an inquest heard. We unashamedly love this game and we hope that our coverage reflects that. Whittingham led the Welsh giants to the Premier League for the first time in 2013 as Championship winners, and also helped them to the 2008 FA Cup final, where they lost 1-0 to Portsmouth. She was told he had sustained a bleed to the brain and needed an operation. Putting names to archive photos, The children left behind in Cuba's mass exodus, In photos: India's disappearing single-screen cinemas. On Tuesday, the coroner's court in Pontypridd, south Wales, heard the former England U21 international had gone drinking with his wife's brother and a friend to watch last year's England vs Wales Six Nations match. It was an act of madness but it somehow worked out. He left the club in 2017 for Blackburn Rovers, where he made 20 appearances. "This has led to a traumatic head injury.". Should journalists shy away from attending inquests then an entire arm of the judicial system is not held to account. Mr Williams said he found Whittingham lying at the bottom of the steps beyond a fire door in the pub's corridor with his face to the side, and tried to lift him up only to find his body "limp". Inquest into Whittingham death to be held, China looks at reforms to deepen Xi's control, Saving Private Ryan actor Tom Sizemore dies at 61, Alex Murdaugh's legal troubles are far from over, 'The nurses wanted me to feel guilty about my abortion, From Afghan TV fame to a US factory floor. 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The loss of Peter will be painfully felt by our city, supporters and indeed all who ever had the pleasure of knowing him. Abbey Clancy and her husband Peter Crouched discussed renewing their wedding vows as they appeared on The Jonathan Ross Show on Friday.. His brother-in-law Robert Williams said the pair and friend Ryan Taylor had been drinking larger, bitter and tequila during the afternoon and evening. A subscription makes a thoughtful gift for both family and friends. I thoroughly enjoyed working with him during my time at Cardiff City. "When I looked more closely I could see he was not moving and something was wrong.. Im proud to have played alongside you and will always remember the young vs old games and you just running the show. Mr Whittingham then leaves the shot and a second or two later people rush to his aid. Its hard to believe that he has been taken from us at such a young age. Medical evidence is now being heard at the inquest. He was with Mr Whittingham at the Park Pub in Barry. Ex-Cardiff City ace Peter Whittingham, 35, suffered a serious head injury after tumbling down stairs leading to a beer garden in Barry, South Wales in March last year. He said: During a period of horseplay with a friend and a relative he appeared to have lost his balance, travelled through or caused to open the fire door, fallen, and as he did so his head has come into contact with the steps. But he said the evening was a "blackout", and had no memory of the ex-footballer falling. See today's front and back pages, download the newspaper, order back issues and use the historic Daily Express newspaper archive. She said: I hope [our children] will be proud and comforted by their daddy's life and not overshadowed by details we are about to hear about his cruel death.. The coroner recorded a conclusion of accidental death. When is Eurovision and how do you get tickets? Former Cardiff midfielder Peter Whittingham dies at age of 35, Peter Whittingham is regarded as a Cardiff city legend after starring for the Welsh club, Whittingham in action for Cardiff during the 2012 Carling Cup, The midfielder started his career at Aston Villa, Whittingham, pictured in action against Man City, is a two-time Cardiff player of the year. At around 9pm a female customer alerted him to the incident, saying: Someone's been knocked out." BA1 1UA. "They are at the forefront of our thoughts and, on their behalf, we ask for their privacy to be respected at this unfathomably cruel and difficult time. He described seeing light-hearted play fighting which evidently involves no malice whatsoever and they are all smiling throughout. Im proud to have played alongside you and will always remember the young vs old games and you just running the show. View our online Press Pack. You were one of the most technical and gifted players Ive played with and that left foot of yours was like a wand. 2023 Cable News Network. Rest in Peace Peter Whittingham Didnt know him personally but have the biggest respect for his footballing ability and that wand of a left foot which scored so many free kicks which I absolutely loved watching. He led the Bluebirds to the Premier League for the first time in 2013 and also helped them to the FA Cup final in 2008 and League Cup final in 2012. The Police said in a further statement on Thursday that a file of evidence is being prepared for the coroner. "When I looked more closely I could see he was not moving and something was wrong.". Reaching a verdict of accidental death, Coroner Graeme Hughes said: On March 7, 2020, he attended a pub in Barry with friends and relatives. Peter Whittingham started his career at Aston Villa before joining Cardiff FC in 2007, The midfielder played for Cardiff until 2017, Tributes left outside Cardiff City stadium for Peter Whittingham. "I was the first person there and offered him my hand thinking he would just take it and he would get up on his feet. Coroner Graeme Hughes, who recorded a conclusion of accidental death, said Mr Whittingham had "consumed a quantity of alcohol that has likely impacted on his demeanour and steadiness" before he fell. He is believed to have fallen down a flight of stairs at a pub in Barry and was left. Peter Whittingham hit his head and tragically died after falling down a flight of stairs at a pub in a drunken 'play fight' with friends, an inquest heard. "Some time after 9.30pm he was in an area near the toilets and adjacent to a fire door leading to a corridor and steps and outside smoking area. "First and foremost, Peter was a family man - and somebody who could light up a room with his sense of humour, warmth and personality. Mrs Whittingham was told her husband had had an accident and had a fall and was in hospital. As always you can unsubscribe at any time. Whittingham, 35, suffered a traumatic head injury at the Park Hotel pub in Barry, Vale of Glamorgan, on 7 March 2020, and died in hospital 11 days later after failing to regain consciousness. The Cardiff favourite retired from the pro game in 2017 after an impressive career that also included spells at Aston Villa and Blackburn Rovers. A club statement read: It is with an immeasurable amount of sorrow that we must inform supporters that Peter Whittingham has passed away at the age of 35. You will receive a verification email shortly. He was taken to Cardiff's University Hospital of Wales and placed on life support but later died. The Championship club confirmed the former Bluebirds midfielder had died after a police. RIP". What science tells us about the afterlife. Midfielder Peter Whittingham, 35, who played for the club from 2007 to 2017, suffered a traumatic head injury at the Park Hotel, Barry, on 7 March 2020. Mr Williams said: "I cannot remember any of the specific events of the play fight that is captured in the CCTV footage. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. The exact cause of Whittingham's death has not yet been confirmed, but he was being treated for a head injury. The inquest also heard Whittingham had been having "a play fight" with his brother-in-law Robert Williams before the fall. She describes that in the morning on the day of the incident that led to his death they went out for a walk before Peter went out with her brother in Barry. He also played a key hand in helping the club win promotion to the Premier League in 2013 for the first time. The club added: "The news of Peters sudden and untimely passing has shaken us to our very foundation. To inquire about a licence to reproduce material, visit our Syndication site. He made a second statement after police showed him CCTV from the pubs corridor, in which he confirmed he is seen messing about with Pete and Ryan but still had no memory of the incident. There was a problem. Coroner Graeme Hughes said Whittingham had "consumed a quantity of alcohol that has likely impacted on his demeanour and steadiness" before he fell. Get the best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week. View our online Press Pack. Solskjaer added: "I thoroughly enjoyed working with him during my time at Cardiff City. 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This service is provided on News Group Newspapers' Limited's Standard Terms and Conditions in accordance with our Privacy & Cookie Policy. One of the best players to play in the Championship. Get insight to top players, instructions & drills and extensive coverage of equipment. Our mission is to offer our intelligent, international audience access to the games biggest names, insightful analysis and a bit of a giggle. It is with an immeasurable amount of sorrow that we must inform supporters that Peter Whittingham has passed away at the age of 35. It was while at the club he met his wife, Amanda, with whom he lived in Dinas Powys, Vale of Glamorgan, with their son who was born in 2018. Cardiff City legend Peter Whittingham tragically died after falling through a pub fire door and hitting his head, an inquest heard. A statement from Mr Williams was also read out in which he said he had "no idea" what happened to Mr Whittingham but he had seen CCTV footage from the area inside the pub where the incident happened, which was in a corridor leading to the smoking area, and the clip showed a "play fight". Manchester United chief Ole Gunnar Solskjaer - his former boss at Cardiff - paid tribute to Whittingham, calling him a "fantastic footballer and incredible human being". Whittingham suffered serious head injuries at a pub in Barry from what South Wales Police described as an. "First and foremost, Peter was a family man - and somebody who could light up a room with his sense of humour, warmth and personality. Former Cardiff City midfielder Peter Whittingham has died aged 35. DC Jenkins, who led the investigation, said the CCTV footage from the Park Hotel was from a single camera that covers the corridor between the downstairs bar and the smoking area at the back of the premises. To see all content on The Sun, please use the Site Map. Alan Lewis, general manager of the Park Hotel since October 2019, said March 7 last year was very busy due to the rugby international match. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. A medical cause of death was proposed as subdural hematoma operated. Dr Christopher Hingston, an intensive care consultant at the hospital, said Whittingham had a Glasgow coma score of three - the lowest possible score and meaning he was completely unresponsive - during his admission. ", talkSPORT correspondent Laurence Mora pays tribute to Cardiff City legend Peter Whittingham, Peter Whittingham, bottom right, was capped 17 times at England U21 level, The left-footer became a set-piece specialist during his fine career. The inquest heard that several pints and shots were consumed by the group at the Park pub. He was also part of the defeated 2012 League Cup final side who took Liverpool to penalties after a 2-2 draw. To make sure you never miss out on your favourite NEW stories, we're happy to send you some reminders, Click 'OK' then 'Allow' to enable notifications, .css-1diosym{color:black;}@media (prefers-color-scheme:dark){.css-1diosym{color:#fff;}}Published14:44,03 March 2021 GMT@media (prefers-color-scheme:dark){.css-jirzs7{color:#72B97D;}}| Last updated14:56,03 March 2021 GMT. Updated Thoughts are with his family and friends pic.twitter.com/VnbPieSlrX. Heres how it works. Mrs Whittingham also provided a witness statement which was read at the hearing. "We are heartbroken. My deepest sympathy to your family x Heart broken x pic.twitter.com/HRTVlYwtTU Mark Hudson (@M_Hudson5) March 19, 2020, Leicesters England playmaker James Maddison posted: Rest in Peace Peter Whittingham. Former Premier League midfielder Peter Whittingham, considered an all-time Cardiff City great, died after falling through a fire door while engaging in 'horseplay'. "Enquiries are continuing into the circumstances of the incident.". Whittingham began his career at his boyhood club Aston Villa and had loan spells at Burnley and Derby before joining Cardiff in 2007. An ex-Cardiff City player hit his head and died after falling down stairs at a pub in a pretend fight with friends, an inquest heard. Express. THE midfielder was rushed to hospital after an incident on Saturday March 7. "During a period of horseplay with a friend and relative he appears to have lost his balance and gone through or caused to open the fire door, fallen, and his head has come into contact with the steps.". Our thoughts are with his loved ones at this incredibly difficult time.. What was his cause of death? The news of Peters sudden and untimely passing has shaken us to our very foundation. CARDIFF CITY legend Peter Whittingham has tragically died at the age of 35. Mr Hughes explains that an inquest is a fact-finding inquiry and that a number of witness statements will be read at todays hearing. Whittingham's brother-in-law Robert Williams said the pair and friend Ryan Taylor had been drinking lager, bitter, and tequila during the afternoon and evening. Read about our approach to external linking. Alan Lewis, general manager of the Park Hotel since October 2019, described the day Peter Whittingham fell as very busy due to the rugby international match. An inquest heard former Cardiff City footballer Peter Whittingham died in a tragic accident after falling on some stairs leading to a beer garden. We also may change the frequency you receive our emails from us in order to keep you up to date and give you the best relevant information possible. On Wednesday, 18 March 2020, South Wales Police released the following statement: "At around . It takes just seconds to sign up - simply click here, enter your email address and follow the instructions. The coroners court in Pontypridd, south Wales, heard the former England Under-21 international had gone drinking with his wifes brother and a friend to watch last years England v Wales Six Nations match. She said she woke at around midnight to find her mum banging on her door. The dad-of-two fell down a flight of stairs at a pub in Barry on March 7 - the day of England's Six Nations clash with Wales - and was left with devastating head injuries. The official England teams and English Football League Twitter accounts also paid tribute, with the latter describing Whittingham as a @CardiffCityFC and EFL legend. Dr Christopher Hingston, an intensive care consultant at the hospital, said Whittingham had a Glasgow coma score of three the lowest possible score and meaning he was completely unresponsive during his admission. Something went wrong, please try again later. A statement read by Mr Whittingham's wife, Amanda, to members of the press ahead of the formal start of the hearing saw her call for him to be remembered for all he achieved. Whittingham was taken to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff. Midfielder Peter Whittingham, 35, who played for the club. Whittingham is survived by wife Amanda, who is currently expecting their third child. "The news of Peters sudden and untimely passing has shaken us to our very foundation. Cardiff said Whittinghams death had left them heartbroken and had shaken us to our very foundation. The Warwickshire-born star, who represented England U21s 17 times, started his career at Aston Villa in 2003 before moving on to Burnley and Derby. Young guy's life taken so quickly after a freak accident. Police officer DC Steven Jenkins said he secured the CCTV footage which has been previously mentioned during the hearing. Mr Taylor was out drinking with Robert Williams and Peter Whittingham on the day of the incident in Barry. Born in 1984 in Nuneaton, England, Whittingham came through the youth academy at Aston Villa also spending loan spells at both Burnley and Derby County. You will be missed but never forgotten. 2023 BBC. Didnt know him personally but have the biggest respect for his footballing ability and that wand of a left foot which scored so many free kicks which I absolutely loved watching. "I was the first person there and offered him my hand thinking he would just take it and he would get up on his feet. CCTV captured Whittingham engaging in "horseplay" with the pair in a corridor, before he appeared to lose his balance and walked through a fire door off-camera and fell down eight steps and hit his head just after 9.30pm. Prior to the inquest into his death beginning his widow Amanda addressed members of the press and called for her husband to be remembered for all he had achieved. "The loss of Peter will be painfully felt by our city, supporters and indeed all who ever had the pleasure of knowing him. When I looked more closely at Peter, I could see he wasn't moving and something was wrong," he told the court. South Wales Police released a statement on Wednesday revealing what happened after social media users had speculated about his condition. "The Sun", "Sun", "Sun Online" are registered trademarks or trade names of News Group Newspapers Limited. When I looked more closely at Peter, I could see he wasn't moving and something was wrong.". Mr Davison said: "All of us were pretty drunk at that point.". He described a general confusion as nobody knew how Mr Whittingham had been knocked out. Williams said he found Whittingham lying at the bottom of the steps beyond a fire door in the pubs corridor with his face to the side, and tried to lift him up only to find his body limp. Midfielder Peter Whittingham, 35, who played for the club. CARDIFF legend Peter Whittingham has died at the age of 35 following an accidental fall in a pub. Read about our approach to external linking. "This has led to a traumatic head injury.". Whittingham, an ex-England Under-21 international who started his career with Aston Villa, sustained a head injury in a fall at a pub in Barry on March 7, 2020, where he had watched an England vs Wales rugby match with friends. Another said: "What a tragedy. On Wednesday, South Wales Police had released a statement detailing an accident that had occurred in Barry after rumours of Whittingham's death on social media users began to circulate. He is believed to have fallen down a flight of stairs at a pub in Barry and was left with devastating head injuries. Over the course of the afternoon/evening he has consumed a quantity of alcohol that has likely impacted his demeanour and steadiness. Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, But a police statement claimed that it appeared to have been an accident, with no confirmation over any arrests. Whittingham came through the ranks at Villa, where he won the FA Youth Cup in 2002 prior to a Premier League debut a year later. Just shows how precious life is. Whittingham's wife and mother to their two young boys, Amanda Whittingham, told the hearing he left their home around 3pm without eating since breakfast as he was in a "rush" to catch the game. The ex-Bluebirds midfielder, who died last year aged 35 and is regarded as one of the club's greatest ever players, sustained a head injury in a fall at a pub in Barry on March 7 last year. More info. Ryan Taylor, who was out drinking with Mr Williams and Mr Whittingham at the time, said in a statement: I dont know if there was some sort of horse play but the next thing I remember was that he fell but I don't know how he got there or how he had fallen. Footballer Peter Whittingham fell and died after 'play fight', inquest told Former Cardiff midfielder fell down stairs at a pub last March Inquest hears he was drinking with brother-in-law. Former Cardiff City, Aston Villa and Blackburn midfielder Peter Whittingham has died at the age of 35 after suffering a head injury from a fall in a pub earlier this month. Or why not treat yourself? Coronavirus Stay At Home challenge: What is it and how do you play? In his statement Mr Taylor said he must have been referring to the play fight. Taylor said he recalled people wanting to take photographs with Whittingham in the pub corridor, which led to steps taking guests to an external smoking area, but also said he had no memory of play fighting or Whittingham falling before he noticed him on the ground.