Your effort and contribution in providing this feedback is much "Our love goes out to his wife Amanda, their young son and family. 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. 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. The ex-Bluebirds midfielder, who died last year aged 35 and. The news of Peters sudden and untimely passing has shaken us to our very foundation. 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. He made a second statement after police showed him CCTV from the pub's corridor, in which he confirmed he is seen "messing about with Pete and Ryan" but still had no memory of the incident. She said: "Rob was going out to watch the Wales v England game at the Park Pub in Barry and trying to persuade Peter to go with him. 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. Over the course of the afternoon/evening he has consumed a quantity of alcohol that has likely impacted his demeanour and steadiness. "Its hard to believe that he has been taken from us at such a young age. Whittingham, who scored 98 times in 459 games for the Bluebirds, is survived by wife Amanda. Tributes have poured in from the world of football following Peter Whittingham's death at the age of 35.The former Cardiff playmaker suffered head injuries at a pub in Barry on March 7 from what Sou She said: "Rob was going out to watch the Wales v England game at the Park Hotel pub in Barry and trying to persuade Peter to go with him. 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. ", Another commented: "Sending love and best wishes to Peter's family and to all of you that enjoyed watching him play.". Discovery Company. After leaving Cardiff in 2017, Mr Whittingham, originally from Nuneaton, Warwickshire, ended his career with Blackburn Rovers in 2018 before moving back to south Wales. One wrote on Twitter: "Incredibly sad news. The news of Peters sudden and untimely passing has shaken us to our very foundation. He told the inquest: "I don't 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. Peter Whittingham in action for Derby County Coroner Graeme Hughes recorded an accidental death conclusion. He describes that he later watched CCTV from the area inside the pub where the incident happened, which was in a corridor leading to the smoking area. Nobody did it better. "The news of Peter's sudden and untimely passing has shaken us to our very foundation. The former Aston Villa and Blackburn Rovers player, who represented England at under-21 level, enjoyed a successful 10-year spell in the Welsh capital, notching 96 goals in 457 matches for Cardiff between 2007 and 2017. 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. An inquest report can also clear up any rumours or suspicion surrounding a persons death. Mr Lewis said he went to the area and saw someone lying on the floor before calling the emergency services. 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. He said: On March 7, 2020, he attended a pub in Barry with friends and relatives. Then, as a professional footballer as a Bluebird [Cardiff Citys nickname] he excelled with talent, ease, grace and humility. 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. All Rights Reserved. The former Cardiff playmaker suffered head injuries at a pub in Barry on March 7 from what South Wales Police have described as an accidental fall. 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. Mr Whittingham then leaves the shot and a second or two later people rush to his aid. RIP". He won his first of 17 England under-21 caps in 2004 prior to loan spells at Burnley and Derby County, but it was at Cardiff where he really hit his stride following a move to the Welsh capital in 2007. "At this stage there is no evidence or suggestion of a criminal act, and it appears the injury was caused by an accidental fall. Read about our approach to external linking. You can also subscribe to tailored content for Swansea, Newport, rugby, Cardiff City FC, Swansea City FC and more. "Enquiries are continuing into the circumstances of the incident.". Mr Davison said: "All of us were pretty drunk at that point.". 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The talented playmaker was named in the Championship Team of the Year on three occasions - also twice winning Cardiffs Player of the Season accolade. 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.. On Thursday, after hearing of the news, England's official Twitter wrote: "Were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Peter Whittingham, who made 17 appearances for our Under-21s between 2004 and 2007. pic.twitter.com/pr2e2QKmJJ. Something went wrong, please try again later. 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. 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. 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. "This has led to a traumatic head injury.". You will receive a verification email shortly. The former footballer had been out to watch the Six Nations rugby match between England and Wales when he fell and was injured at the Park Hotel. Mr Lewis said he then went to watch the CCTV, describing seeing horse play, and said he felt satisfied there was no fight or any act of aggression. A number of Mr Whittinghams family are listening to the inquest remotely including his wife, brother, and sister. After being transferred to hospital and undergoing an operation Mr Hughes said his condition deteriorated and Mr Whittingham later died in hospital. 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. When I looked more closely at Peter, I could see he wasn't moving and something was wrong," he told the court. "When I looked more closely I could see he was not moving and something was wrong.". 2023 Cable News Network. Another said: "What a tragedy. Get insight to top players, instructions & drills and extensive coverage of equipment. We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. 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. Peter Whittingham Death. Its hard to believe that he has been taken from us at such a young age. This means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. 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. 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. You can unsubscribe at any time. "The Sun", "Sun", "Sun Online" are registered trademarks or trade names of News Group Newspapers Limited. My thoughts and prayers go out to your family, rest in peace Whitts was too young, Whittingham played under current Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in 2014, and the Norwegian called him an incredible human being.. Whittingham was taken to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff following the fall, but his condition deteriorated and he died on March 18, 2020. Nuneaton-born Whittingham began his career at boyhood club Aston Villa and was part of the club's 2002 FA Youth Cup-winning team. Unconfirmed rumours had claimed the former star ended up in hospital following an incident in the Park pub in Barry on March 7 - the same day as England vs Wales in the Six Nations. "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. The news of Peters sudden and untimely passing has shaken us to our very foundation. Juventus and Wales midfielder Ramsey wrote on his Instagram account: I will forever be grateful for you taking me under your wing. It is with an immeasurable amount of sorrow that we must inform supporters that Peter Whittingham has passed away at the age of 35. Cardiff City FC (@CardiffCityFC) March 19, 2020. dead at 35. It read: "At around 10pm on March 7, South Wales Police were called to a licensed premises in Barry. Do you know this baby? 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. She said she woke at around midnight to find her mum banging on her door. He played 66 games for Villa and had loan spells at Burnley and Derby before joining Cardiff in 2007. 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. He helped the Bluebirds to the FA Cup final in his first full season at the club, and went on to establish himself as one of the Championships most exciting attacking midfielders over the next few seasons. "I just know he had hit his head on the small step on the stairs. Around 3pm that afternoon they left to go to Barry together. She recalled he hadnt eaten since breakfast. 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. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Putting names to archive photos, The children left behind in Cuba's mass exodus, In photos: India's disappearing single-screen cinemas. He was taken to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff but his condition deteriorated and he died on 18 March. Midfielder Peter Whittingham, 35, who played for the club. 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.. "The news of Peters sudden and untimely passing has shaken us to our very foundation. The former Cardiff midfielder has died at the age of 35 following a fall 12 days ago.. Whittingham suffered serious head injuries at a pub in Barry from what South Wales Police described as an "accidental fall". Peter Whittingham underwent an emergency operation after the incident to relieve pressure on his brain and was later sent to the intensive care unit. The Sun website is regulated by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO), Our journalists strive for accuracy but on occasion we make mistakes. 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. He described a general confusion as nobody knew how Mr Whittingham had been knocked out. CARDIFF legend Peter Whittingham has died at the age of 35 following an accidental fall in a pub. He later died at 1.51pm on March 18, the inquest hears. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. 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. Nobody did it better. 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. What science tells us about the afterlife. Should journalists shy away from attending inquests then an entire arm of the judicial system is not held to account. I just know he had hit his head on the small step on the stairs.. Coroner Graeme Hughes recorded a verdict of accidental death at the inquest at Pontypridd Coroner's Court. 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. Whittingham played in two major cup finals for Cardiff - the FA Cup final in 2008 and Carling Cup final in 2012 - and won a Championship winners' medal in 2013 as Cardiff were promoted to the Premier League. 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. Whittinghams former club, Cardiff City, expressed heartbreak in a statement on its website. There was a problem. Mr Taylor said Mr Whittingham's eyes were "wide open and were almost completely white" having rolled to the back of his head. DC Jenkins said it does not capture Peter Whittingham's fall but the build-up. "First and foremost, Peter was a family man - and somebody who could light up a room with his sense of humour, warmth and personality. 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. The first witness statement to be read to the hearing is from Mr Whittinghams wife Amanda. 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. The club added: "The news of Peters sudden and untimely passing has shaken us to our very foundation. He had been off sedative drugs for a number of days by March 17 but neurological recovery remained poor and he later died at 1.51pm on March 18. 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. The hearing was told how Whittingham had been on an all-day drinking session while watching Wales vs. England in the Six Nations. Manchester United chief Ole Gunnar Solskjaer - his former boss at Cardiff - paid tribute to Whittingham, calling him a "fantastic footballer and incredible human being". "First and foremost, Peter was a family man - and somebody who could light up a room with his sense of humour, warmth and personality. For further details of our complaints policy and to make a complaint please click this link: thesun.co.uk/editorial-complaints/, Former Cardiff and Aston Villa star Peter Whittingham has died at the age of 35, Peter Whittingham went on to become one of Cardiff's best ever, , really good player and was always on my signing wish list. 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. ", One Sheffield Wednesday fan wrote: "RIP Peter Whittingham, really good player and was always on my signing wish list.". When I looked more closely I could see he was not moving and something was wrong.. Thoughts go out to his family.". ", 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. He said: "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. Whittingham fell down the stairs at a pub in Barry on March 7, 2020. First and foremost, Peter was a family man and somebody who could light up a room with his sense of humour, warmth and personality. Whittingham is survived by wife Amanda, who is currently expecting their third child. I thoroughly enjoyed working with him during my time at Cardiff City. 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. We unashamedly love this game and we hope that our coverage reflects that. 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. The head injury he was suffered came as a result of a fall in a pub in Barry. There's an 'unsubscribe' button at the bottom of every newsletter we send out. Fans have been posting their tributes on social media since Whittingham's tragic plight was revealed earlier this week. Mr Taylor said he was with the pair in the corridor that led to the beer garden area outside the Park Pub. 11:49 AM EDT, Fri March 20, 2020, Former Premier League footballer dead at 35. He spent a decade with the Bluebirds, becoming a fan favourite during his 459 appearances. Aston Villa and Blackburn both paid tribute to their former player. Thank you for reading 5 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access, Enjoy your first month for just 1 / $1 / 1, *Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription. Coroner Graeme Hughes, the senior coroner for South Wales central area, formally begins the inquest. Mr Hughes explains that an inquest is a fact-finding inquiry and that a number of witness statements will be read at todays hearing. Thoughts are with his family and friends pic.twitter.com/VnbPieSlrX. Whittingham died on 20 March aged 35 after suffering a head injury. The ex-Villa midfielder, who died last year aged 35 . The official England teams and English Football League Twitter accounts also paid tribute, with the latter describing Whittingham as a @CardiffCityFC and EFL legend. He also played for England's Under-21s 17 times, as well as Aston Villa. Inquests can often prompt a wider discussion on serious issues, the most recent of these being mental health and suicide. 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. 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. 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Former Cardiff City midfielder Peter Whittingham has died aged 35. An inquest heard former Cardiff City footballer Peter Whittingham died in a tragic accident after falling on some stairs leading to a beer garden. Former Premier League footballer Peter Whittingham has died at age 35 nearly two weeks after sustaining a head injury in an accidental fall at a pub, according to South Wales police. Get the best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week. 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. A medical cause of death was proposed as subdural hematoma operated. Heres how it works. 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. "Peter will be deeply missed and our thoughts are with his family at this very sad time, It is with an immeasurable amount of sorrow that we must inform supporters that Peter Whittingham has passed away at the age of 35.Club Statement: https://t.co/SGYOx4L2x2 pic.twitter.com/cvkfhRkP1N. By March 17 he had been off sedative drugs for a number of days but neurological recovery remained poor. To see all content on The Sun, please use the Site Map. "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. Then, as a professional footballer as a Bluebird he excelled with talent, ease, grace and humility.