The provisional cause of death for British boxing legend Ricky Hatton has been officially confirmed during a brief inquest held in Manchester today (October 16).
The 46-year-old former world champion, who was found dead at his Manchester home on September 14, died by hanging, the court heard. His body was discovered by his close friend and long-time manager, Paul Speak, who attended the hearing on behalf of Hatton’s devastated family.
Senior coroner Alison Mutch opened the preliminary inquest, which lasted just five minutes. It revealed that Ricky was last seen alive by relatives on September 12. According to the court, he had “appeared well” but later failed to show up for an event he was scheduled to attend.
On the morning of September 14, Speak arrived at Hatton’s home to collect him for a flight to Dubai, where the boxer was set to promote a comeback fight. Tragically, he found the star unresponsive. The official cause of death was provisionally recorded as hanging, with a full inquest set for March 2026.
Ricky, who shared three children – Campbell, Millie, and Fearne – and was a proud grandfather, had been open about his past struggles with alcohol and mental health but was said to be in “a good place” in the days leading up to his death.
In a heartfelt statement released via Ricky’s Instagram, his family shared their grief and disbelief. “We are all distraught at the events of recent days. To our knowledge, despite his well-documented struggles, Richard was in a good place,” they wrote. “He was excited for the future, his bag was packed ready to go to Dubai to promote a comeback fight and he was planning a celebration there with his beloved girls, Millie and Fearne, at the centre of it.”
They added that Ricky had recently enjoyed dinner with his daughters and had been in regular contact with both family and team members. “Richard was not alone in life, or in the days before the weekend,” the statement continued.
His loved ones, still “in shock” over the tragic turn of events, thanked fans for their overwhelming support and tributes. “The outpouring of grief and love from across the nation and worldwide shows how much Richard was loved,” they said. “It will, in time, give us comfort and pride.”
‘D.i.e.d by h.a.n.g.i.n.g’: Police reveal shocking cause of Ricky Hatton’s d.e.a.t.h, leaving fans in disbelief as the boxing legend was said to be ‘full of life’ just days earlier — what really happened?
