"The news of Peter's sudden and untimely passing has shaken us to our very foundation. CCTV footage showed him in a pub corridor engaging in "horseplay" before appearing to lose balance and walking through a fire door off camera, where he fell down eight steps and hit his head. I cannot remember being in the corridor and messing about with Pete and Ryan. Former Cardiff City midfielder Peter Whittingham died after falling down stairs at a pub following a drunken "play fight" with friends, an inquest has been told. "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 later died at 1.51pm on March 18, the inquest hears. Whittingham played in the FA Cup final in 2008 and the Carling Cup final in 2012, and collected a Championship winners medal in 2013 as Cardiff were promoted to the Premier League. 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. "At this stage there is no evidence or suggestion of a criminal act, and it appears the injury was caused by an accidental fall. Nuneaton-born Whittingham began his career at boyhood club Aston Villa and was part of the club's 2002 FA Youth Cup-winning team. 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. Nobody did it better. Get insight to top players, instructions & drills and extensive coverage of equipment. Cardiff urged to retire Peter Whittingham's No.7 shirt after club legend's tragic death, Emotional tribute to 'inspirational' Peter Whittingham paid by Cardiff owner Vincent Tan, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer pays tribute to former Cardiff City star Peter Whittingham, Aaron Ramsey 'forever grateful' to Peter Whittingham after Cardiff legend's tragic death, 'They have a LOT in common' Helen Skelton grows close to Strictly pro Vito Coppola after bonding on tour bus - almost one year after rugby star husband left mum-of-three, Interactive map shows exactly where snow could fall in UK as mercury nosedives to -7C, Doctor tells Harry he believes Prince has Attention Deficit Disorder in live Q&A, Kate Garraway shares Derek's final words as he believed he was about to die, Spencer Matthews 'furious' after Disney delays Everest doc as it shows dead bodies, 'I DIDN'T BREAK THE LAW' Matt Hancock tells lawyers he wants immunity on care home deaths during Covid pandemic, Matt Hancock plotted to use new Covid variant to 'frighten the pants off everyone' in leaked WhatsApp, Loose Women star Linda Robson's 'marriage crisis' after hitting 'rough patch', Cyclist pavement killer risks losing home as neighbours break silence, Mrs Brown's Boys to return with four-part miniseries as filming begins soon, Kelsey Parker taking kids to see pop star husband Tom honoured on Dancing on Ice, 7 Harry Q&A bombshells - from marijuana 'really helping him' to Afghanistan war claim, Subscribe to Daily Mirror and Sunday Mirror newspapers. "This has led to a traumatic head injury.". "A 35-year-old man from Penarth suffered a head injury as a result of a fall and remains at the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff. A medical cause of death was proposed as subdural hematoma operated. Match of the Day: What fans can expect as show returns this weekend. Topics:.css-wpf514{color:#72B97D;}Football News, Football, Cardiff City, Kylian Mbappe becomes PSGs record goalscorer after netting against Nantes, OnlyFans star Astrid Wett beats former Love Island contestant AJ Bunker after tough battle, Former footballer who became porn star admits job isn't as fun as expected, Fans think the Premier League is rigged after Arsenals late comeback against Bournemouth, Arsenal produce stunning comeback to win 3-2 against Bournemouth, this could be their year, VAR farce as Arsenal denied blatant penalty for handball, fans are fuming, Peter Schmeichel is 'disappointed' with Cristiano Ronaldo after he stormed down the tunnel in Man United's win over Spurs, Peter Crouch Names Marcus Rashford And Jadon Sancho In His Preferred England Squad For The World Cup, Leicester City created the 'lowest XG in a Premier League match' since records began against Arsenal, Gareth Bale Has Been Told The Three Surprise Premier League Clubs He Should Have Signed For. My kids need me.I've got a three year old who is a little whirlwind most of the time, but when I've had a seizure, he sits beside me and he calms down. Mr Williams said: "I have no idea what happened to Peter. But he said the evening was a "blackout", and had no memory of the ex-footballer falling. Around 3pm that afternoon they left to go to Barry together. She recalled he hadnt eaten since breakfast. Rest in peace, Peter. Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) March 19, 2020, The thoughts of everyone at Rovers are with Peters wife Amanda, their young son and family at this incredibly difficult time.. RIP". Updated 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. Manchester United chief Ole Gunnar Solskjaer - his former boss at Cardiff - paid tribute to Whittingham, calling him a "fantastic footballer and incredible human being". By March 17 he had been off sedative drugs for a number of days but neurological recovery remained poor. This service is provided on News Group Newspapers' Limited's Standard Terms and Conditions in accordance with our Privacy & Cookie Policy. I just know he had hit his head on the small step on the stairs., He added: 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. Whittinghams former club, Cardiff City, expressed heartbreak in a statement on its website. You were one of the most technical and gifted players Ive played with and that left foot of yours was like a wand. Putting names to archive photos, The children left behind in Cuba's mass exodus, In photos: India's disappearing single-screen cinemas. THE midfielder was rushed to hospital after an incident on Saturday March 7. Whittinghams wife and mother to their two young boys, Amanda Whittingham, told the hearing he left home at about 3pm without eating since breakfast because he was in a rush to catch the game. It is with an immeasurable amount of sorrow that we must inform supporters that Peter Whittingham has passed away at the age of 35. Im proud to have played alongside you and will always remember the young vs old games and you just running the show. Whittingham, a former England U21s international, sustained a head injury in a fall at a pub on March 7, 2020, where he had watched an England vs Wales rugby match with friends. Tributes have poured in from the world of football following Peter Whittinghams death at the age of 35. 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. Blackburn said: Rovers are deeply saddened to learn the news that former midfielder Peter Whittingham has passed away, aged 35. By March 17 he had been off sedative drugs for a number of days but neurological recovery remained poor. A truly wonderful player, I was lucky to have spent my time on the grass with you and part of my life enjoying your dry humour. BA1 1UA. He left Cardiff for Blackburn Rovers in 2017, before having his contract terminated just over a year later. In his statement Mr Taylor said he must have been referring to the play fight. Whittingham began his career at his boyhood club Aston Villa and had loan spells at Burnley and Derby before joining Cardiff in 2007. Peter Whittingham in action for Derby County Coroner Graeme Hughes recorded an accidental death conclusion. 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. Whittingham suffered a subdural haematoma, where blood collects between the skull and the surface of the brain, as well as bleeding and swelling inside his brain, and was given palliative care before he died. "I walked over to him to offer my hand, thinking he would just take it and I would help him back up to his feet. Peter Whittingham taking a shot for Cardiff City in a Championship clash with Nottingham Forest in April 2017, Coroner records accidental death conclusion, Pub manager 'satisfied there was no fight or any act of aggression', Wife gives brief statement ahead of hearing, Young Wales international now working on a building site after rugby's turmoil leaves him unemployed, This time last term his career in professional rugby appeared to be taking off, but fate wasn't to be kind to the lad from west Wales, The 'biggest rugby hit you will see' sparks huge brawl watched by 300 million, Five players were given their marching orders during the course of the match, Willis Halaholo's tearful tribute to Rey Lee-Lo amid his family difficulties is so special, The Cardiff team-mates are more like brothers, and it has been a difficult time, Swansea City defeat at Luton ends in chaos as Russell Martin sent off and escorted from pitch, The Swans slumped to a 1-0 defeat at Kenilworth Road, with Martin being dismissed late on, Nigel Walker dismisses idea of axing region despite report recommendation, Nigel Walker has dismissed suggestions one of Wales' four professional regions will get cut, Cardiff 20-42 Ulster: Welsh club's URC play-off hopes take massive dent, The Blue and Blacks will have to do things the hard way to make the last eight now, Dragons 20-22 Connacht: 14-men Dragons fail to sign off at home for season with win after late missed drop-goals, The Dragons had opportunities to win their final home game of the season, but ultimately fell short, Ospreys 20-21 Benetton: Comeback falls short as last-gasp conversion misses the mark, The Ospreys threatened to get over the line at the death, but it wasn't to be, UFC 285: Jones v Gane start time, prize money and live stream details, 'Bones' looks to pick up the heavyweight title after Francis Ngannou vacated the belt when his UFC contract expired, Russell Martin defends actions and reveals what happened amid red card chaos, The incident happened in the final few minutes of Saturday's defeat to the Hatters, Met Office maps show exactly where and when snow is expected in Wales, Mum loses custody of six-year-old daughter after 'bleak' neglect, Cardiff family court heard the little girl still drinks milk from a baby bottle, wears pull-up nappies, and is often awake through the night in a room with no lightbulb in what the judge described as a 'bleak picture', Remains of baby in Constance Marten case were found in a plastic bag under nappies in a shed, court told, Constance Marten and Mark Gordon have appeared in court, BBC The Apprentice: Why Bradley Johnson didn't leave in a taxi despite being fired, Bradley Johnson and Avi Sharma were chosen as the next candidates to leave Lord Sugar's boardroom, Mum 'in tears' as family is thrown out of theatre's panto performance, The theatre has now apologised and admitted they got it wrong, Matt Hancock said ousting NHS England chief executive would be massive improvement, The former health secretary reportedly discussed Simon Stevens, now Lord Stevens, with Boris Johnsons then chief adviser Dominic Cummings, 'My kids need me': Mum of four waits three years for surgery to remove a brain tumour, "If I've got a fighting chance, I've got more of a reason to get through it now. Changed your mind? A third added: "RIP Whitts we will never ever forget everything you have done for us and I am truly heartbroken that you have left us. Cardiff said they were "heartbroken" in a statement on their website. 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. The loss of Peter will be painfully felt by our city, supporters and indeed all who ever had the pleasure of knowing him. Whittingham suffered serious head injuries at a pub in Barry from what South Wales Police described as an. To inquire about a licence to reproduce material, visit our Syndication site. On Wednesday, 18 March 2020, South Wales Police released the following statement: "At around . Peter Whittingham underwent an emergency operation after the incident to relieve pressure on his brain and was later sent to the intensive care unit. He said at time of the incident the only people present were Robert Williams, Ryan Taylor, and Mr Whittingham. Cardiff City legend Peter Whittingham tragically died after falling through a pub fire door and hitting his head, an inquest heard. The couple were expecting their second child when Whittingham died, with their newest son born two months after the incident in May 2020. Our thoughts are with his loved ones at this incredibly difficult time.. 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. "Then, as a professional footballer - as a Bluebird - he excelled with talent, ease, grace and humility. She said she woke at around midnight to find her mum banging on her door. We love you Pete and your memory will eternally stay with us.". The left-footed maestro finished his career at Blackburn Rovers and played for England under-21s, earning 17 caps. 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. Midfielder Peter Whittingham, 35, who played for the club. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. pic.twitter.com/XZSSN2uRyA. Mrs Whittingham was told her husband had had an accident and had a fall and was in hospital. 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. I dont even remember much of the following day.. Mr Williams said: I cannot remember any of the specific events of the play fight that is captured in the CCTV footage. Read about our approach to external linking. Whittingham burst onto the scene with Villa before making his name at Cardiff where he helped them win promotion to the Premier League in 2013. Mr Hughes ended the hearing by passing his deepest condolences to the family and friends of Mr Whittingham. All Rights Reserved. Former Premier League midfielder Peter Whittingham, considered an all-time Cardiff City great, died after falling through a fire door while engaging in 'horseplay'. The former Cardiff midfielder has died at the age of 35 following a fall 12 days ago. What science tells us about the afterlife. Wittingham started his career with Aston Villa before joining Cardiff in 2007. 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 inquest heard that several pints and shots were consumed by the group at the Park pub. Mrs Whittingham said she texted her husband at 9pm but didnt hear back and after she called later there was no answer and she fell asleep. 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. Editors actively ask and encourage reporters to speak to the family and friends of a person who is the subject of an inquest. Ryan Taylor, who was out drinking with Mr Williams and Mr Whittingham at the time, said Whittingham fell in the corridor leading to the beer garden. Whittingham fell down the stairs at a pub in Barry on March 7, 2020. "We are heartbroken. I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Peter Whittingham, Solskjaer said. Cardiff said Whittinghams death had left them heartbroken and had shaken us to our very foundation. A statement by Mr Whittingham's brother-in-law Robert Williams is now being read to the inquest. Our love goes out to his wife Amanda, their young son and family. Over the course of the afternoon/evening he has consumed a quantity of alcohol that has likely impacted his demeanour and steadiness. 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. It read: "At around 10pm on March 7, South Wales Police were called to a licensed premises in Barry. Their contributions help us create a clearer picture of the person who died and also provides the opportunity to pay tribute to their loved one. We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. Coroner Graeme Hughes recorded a verdict of accidental death at the inquest at Pontypridd Coroner's Court. I thoroughly enjoyed working with him during my time at Cardiff City. South Wales Police said on Wednesday said there is no evidence or suggestion of a criminal act and that it appeared the injury was caused by an accidental fall. Read about our approach to external linking. 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. "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. He made over 450 appearances and scored 98 goals in 10 years at Cardiff before finishing his career at Blackburn in 2018. One of the best players to play in the Championship. You will receive a verification email shortly. When I looked more closely I could see he was not moving and something was wrong.. News Group Newspapers Limited in England No. To inquire about a licence to reproduce material, visit our Syndication site. Bodycam footage of the aftermath of the incident captured Mr Taylor saying friendly banter when asked by an officer how he had fallen. First and foremost, Peter was a family man and somebody who could light up a room with his sense of humour, warmth and personality. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). You can unsubscribe at any time. Heres how it works. He spent a decade with the Bluebirds, becoming a fan favourite during his 459 appearances. Thank you for signing up to Four Four Two. The press has a legal right to attend inquests and has a responsibility to report on them as part of their duty to uphold the principle of open justice. A statement by Ryan Taylor is now being read to the inquest. The loss of Peter will be painfully felt by our city, supporters and indeed all who ever had the pleasure of knowing him. "Enquiries are continuing into the circumstances of the incident.". The Bluebirds icon was rushed to hospital after an incident on Saturday March 7. Midfielder Peter Whittingham, 35, suffered a traumatic head injury at the pub nearly a year ago. Sign up to the CardiffOnline newsletter to receive our top stories straight to your inbox. Peter Whittingham dead: Find out how the former Cardiff star died, Peter Whittingham started out at Aston Villa, Peter Whittingham tributes: Football world pays respects, Peter Whittingham dead: Man Utd boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer pays tribute, Peter Whittingham became a club legend at Cardiff City, Peter Whittingham dead: Former Cardiff and Aston Villa midfielder dead, Coronavirus in football: List of confirmed cases, Sports documentaries available on Amazon Prime amid coronavirus crisis. His retirement came about in 2018 after a spell with Blackburn Rovers. The official England teams and English Football League Twitter accounts also paid tribute, with the latter describing Whittingham as a @CardiffCityFC and EFL legend. 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. 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.. Whittinghams brother-in-law Robert Williams said the pair and friend Ryan Taylor had been drinking lager, bitter and tequila during the afternoon and evening. 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. Should journalists shy away from attending inquests then an entire arm of the judicial system is not held to account. 2. In a statement read to the inquest he said the group with Mr Whittingham were all jolly and in good spirits and drinking steadily but nobody appeared overly drunk. He left the club in 2017 for Blackburn Rovers, where he made 20 appearances. He made 16 appearances for Englands Under-21 team in that time, scoring three goals, while featuring in Villas Premier League side. See today's front and back pages, download the newspaper, order back issues and use the historic Daily Express newspaper archive. South Wales Police released a statement on Wednesday revealing what happened after social media users had speculated about his condition. "We love you Pete and your memory will eternally stay with us.". RIP". Nobody did it better. 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. For other inquiries, Contact Us. He added he and Mr Whittingham were at the pub to watch the Wales v England match. 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. Thoughts go to all the family, friends and club in this difficult time. He said they had between six and 10 pints and a round of shots at the pub, adding: All of us were pretty drunk at that point.". An inquest heard former Cardiff City footballer Peter Whittingham died in a tragic accident after falling on some stairs leading to a beer garden. The head injury he was suffered came as a result of a fall in a pub in Barry.