Heres how it works. Our love goes out to his wife Amanda, their young son and family. RIP". It takes just seconds to sign up - simply click here, enter your email address and follow the instructions. The inquest into his death held at Pontypridd heard that Whittingham underwent an emergency operation to relieve pressure on his brain and was later sent to an intensive care unit. The Bluebirds icon was rushed to hospital after an incident on Saturday March 7. 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, 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. Peter Whittingham pictured playing for Cardiff in October 2015. 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. "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. When I looked more closely at Peter, I could see he wasn't moving and something was wrong.". "The news of Peters sudden and untimely passing has shaken us to our very foundation. Mr Taylor was out drinking with Robert Williams and Peter Whittingham on the day of the incident in Barry. Aaron Ramsey, Juventus and Wales midfielder, came through Cardiffs academy while Whittingham was playing at the club, and paid his respects to his former teammate. 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. Bodycam footage of the aftermath of the incident captured Mr Taylor saying friendly banter when asked by an officer how he had fallen. Mr Taylor said he remembered people wanting to take pictures with Mr Whittingham in the corridor but also had no memory of play fighting or the fall. The couple were expecting their second child when Whittingham died, with their newest son born two months after the incident in May 2020. Nobody did it better. In his statement Mr Taylor said he must have been referring to the play fight. We are heartbroken. The first witness statement to be read to the hearing is from Mr Whittinghams wife Amanda. To inquire about a licence to reproduce material, visit our Syndication site. 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. dead at 35. Whittingham, 35, suffered a traumatic head injury at the Park Hotel pub in Barry, Vale of Glamorgan, on March 7, 2020, and died in hospital 11 days later after failing to regain consciousness. 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 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. Thoughts go out to his family. Our mission is to offer our intelligent, international audience access to the games biggest names, insightful analysis and a bit of a giggle. Medical evidence is now being heard at the inquest. Or why not treat yourself? Tributes have poured in from the world of football following Peter Whittinghams death at the age of 35. He added that Mr Whittingham was not a smoker. I cannot remember being in the corridor and messing about with Pete and Ryan. 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. Reaching a verdict of accidental death, Coroner Graeme Hughes said: On March 7, 2020, he attended a pub in Barry with friends and relatives. The Police said in a further statement on Thursday that a file of evidence is being prepared for the coroner. A medical cause of death was proposed as subdural hematoma operated. Whittingham, who. He described a general confusion as nobody knew how Mr Whittingham had been knocked out. "Our love goes out to his wife Amanda, their young son and family. First and foremost, Peter was a family man and somebody who could light up a room with his sense of humour, warmth and personality. Should journalists shy away from attending inquests then an entire arm of the judicial system is not held to account. She said she woke at around midnight to find her mum banging on her door. 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. Former Cardiff midfielder Peter Whittingham dies aged 35, Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning. Cardiff City legend Peter Whittingham tragically died after falling through a pub fire door and hitting his head, an inquest heard. Coroner Graeme Hughes, the senior coroner for South Wales central area, formally begins the inquest. He died. 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 played 66 games for Villa and had loan spells at Burnley and Derby before joining Cardiff in 2007. Former Aston Villa star Peter Whittingham tragically died after falling through a pub fire door and hitting his head, an inquest heard.. He left the club in 2017 for Blackburn Rovers, where he made 20 appearances. But he said the evening was a blackout, and had no memory of the former footballer falling. ALSO SEE - Coronavirus in football: List of confirmed cases. Our love goes out to his wife Amanda, their young son and family. 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. CARDIFF legend Peter Whittingham has died at the age of 35 following an accidental fall in a pub. Coroner Graeme Hughes recorded a verdict of accidental death at the inquest at Pontypridd Coroner's Court. Im proud to have played alongside you and will always remember the young vs old games and you just running the show. He was taken to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff but his condition deteriorated and he died on 18 March. "We love you Pete and your memory will eternally stay with us.". "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. Read about our approach to external linking. Mr Williams said: "I cannot remember any of the specific events of the play fight that is captured in the CCTV footage. Wittingham started his career with Aston Villa before joining Cardiff in 2007. 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 subscription makes a thoughtful gift for both family and friends. The news of Peters sudden and untimely passing has shaken us to our very foundation. Whittingham fell down the stairs at a pub in Barry on March 7, 2020. "I just know he had hit his head on the small step on the stairs. "Not only were you a great player and professional you were an amazing human, City loves you more than you know.". Cardiff City legend Peter Whittingham tragically died after falling through a pub fire door and hitting his head, an inquest heard. Often families do not wish to speak to the press and of course that decision has to be respected. I just know he had hit his head on the small step on the stairs.. The ex-Villa midfielder, who died last year aged 35 . "Enquiries are continuing into the circumstances of the incident.". CARDIFF legend Peter Whittingham has died at the age of 35 following an accidental fall in a pub. 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. Whittinghams wife Amanda is currently pregnant. 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. He later died at 1.51pm on March 18. Nobody did it better. Just shows how precious life is. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. "The news of Peter's sudden and untimely passing has shaken us to our very foundation. 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 . On Wednesday, 18 March 2020, South Wales Police released the following statement: "At around . Fans have been posting their tributes on social media since Whittingham's tragic plight was revealed earlier this week. "When I looked more closely I could see he was not moving and something was wrong.. A statement by Ryan Taylor is now being read to the inquest. I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Peter Whittingham, said Solskjaer, who was Cardiff manager in 2014. "Our thoughts are with his friends and family at this difficult time. Coroner Graeme Hughes said Whittingham had "consumed a quantity of alcohol that has likely impacted on his demeanour and steadiness" before he fell. We love you Pete and your memory will eternally stay with us., READ: Borussia Monchengladbach players offer to give up their salaries. In a statement shortly after the incident Mr Williams said: I have no idea what happened to Peter. 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. Mr Hughes ended the hearing by passing his deepest condolences to the family and friends of Mr Whittingham. The loss of Peter will be painfully felt by our city, supporters and indeed all who ever had the pleasure of knowing him. Mrs Whittingham also provided a witness statement which was read at the hearing. Since the news of Wittingham's death, fans have taken to social media to pay tribute to the former midfielder. 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. He said: 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. 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. He made over 450 appearances and scored 98 goals in 10 years at Cardiff before finishing his career at Blackburn in 2018. It was an act of madness but it somehow worked out. I cannot remember being in the corridor and messing about with Pete and Ryan. Young guy's life taken so quickly after a freak accident. "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. Inquests can often prompt a wider discussion on serious issues, the most recent of these being mental health and suicide. 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 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. When I looked more closely at Peter, I could see he wasnt moving and something was wrong.. Read about our approach to external linking. I can also confirm I cannot remember seeing Pete fall, and only remember seeing him laying on the ground.. By March 17 he had been off sedative drugs for a number of days but neurological recovery remained poor. Its hard to believe that he has been taken from us at such a young age.. The head injury he was suffered came as a result of a fall in a pub in Barry. Mr Whittingham's wife Amanda said he had not eaten since breakfast as he had been in a "rush" to watch the game when he left home at 15:00 GMT. He was taken to Cardiff's University Hospital of Wales and placed on life support but later died. The model, 37, told how she and the former footballer, 41 . 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. 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. 2023 BBC. He said: On March 7, 2020, he attended a pub in Barry with friends and relatives. See today's front and back pages, download the newspaper, order back issues and use the historic Daily Express newspaper archive. 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. Something went wrong, please try again later. Coroner Graeme Hughes recorded an accidental death conclusion. Updated 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. Get the best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week. Get insight to top players, instructions & drills and extensive coverage of equipment. Over the course of the afternoon/evening he has consumed a quantity of alcohol that has likely impacted his demeanour and steadiness. Former Cardiff midfielder fell down stairs at a pub last March, Inquest hears he was drinking with brother-in-law and friend. RIP. 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. 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. 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. It is with an immeasurable amount of sorrow that we must inform supporters that Peter Whittingham has passed away at the age of 35. Midfielder Peter Whittingham, 35, who played for the club. The Cardiff City legend, 35,. The exact cause of Whittingham's death has not yet been confirmed, but he was being treated for a head injury. 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. Peter Whittingham underwent an emergency operation after the incident to relieve pressure on his brain and was later sent to the intensive care unit. I really cannot remember anything much of what happened.. "First and foremost, Peter was a family man - and somebody who could light up a room with his sense of humour, warmth and personality. He left Cardiff for Blackburn Rovers in 2017, before having his contract terminated just over a year later. Peter Whittingham, 35, died on March 18 last year after falling down pub stairs Father has been watching rugby with his family and friends in Barry at the time South Wales central coroner. I thoroughly enjoyed working with him during my time at Cardiff City. You can also subscribe to tailored content for Swansea, Newport, rugby, Cardiff City FC, Swansea City FC and more. Blackburn said: Rovers are deeply saddened to learn the news that former midfielder Peter Whittingham has passed away, aged 35. Whittinghams former club, Cardiff City, expressed heartbreak in a statement on its website. 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. What's the least amount of exercise we can get away with? 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. "Enquiries are continuing into the circumstances of the incident.". 11:49 AM EDT, Fri March 20, 2020, Former Premier League footballer dead at 35. The loss of Peter will be painfully felt by our city, supporters and indeed all who ever had the pleasure of knowing him. What was his cause of death? You will receive a verification email shortly. She is expecting their second child. RIP". Changed your mind? He made over 450 appearances and scored 98 goals in 10 years at Cardiff before finishing his career at Blackburn in 2018. He was living in Dinas Powys, Vale of Glamorgan, with Amanda and his young son when he died. How did Peter Whittingham die? There was a problem. For other inquiries, Contact Us. A Warner Bros. Nobody did it better. "At this stage there is no evidence or suggestion of a criminal act, and it appears the injury was caused by an accidental fall. The Sun website is regulated by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO), Our journalists strive for accuracy but on occasion we make mistakes. 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. The former England Under-21 international made 459 appearances and scored 98 goals for Cardiff before finishing his career at Blackburn in 2018. All Rights Reserved. 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. Peter Whittingham suffered a traumatic head injury at the Park Hotel pub on March 7, 2020; he died in hospital 11 days later after failing to regain consciousness; the coroner recorded a conclusion of accidental death. The hearing was told how Whittingham had been on an all-day drinking session while watching Wales vs. England in the Six Nations. 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". The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. 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 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. Its hard to believe that he has been taken from us at such a young age. 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. An inquest heard former Cardiff City footballer Peter Whittingham died in a tragic accident after falling on some stairs leading to a beer garden. I dont even remember much of the following day.". Did you encounter any technical issues? Peter Whittingham was a Cardiff City "legend", who "could light up a room with his sense of humour, warmth and personality". "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. Midfielder Peter Whittingham, 35, who played for the club. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer coached Peter Whittingham at Cardiff (Adam Davy/PA), Peter Whittingham (right) played for Cardiff in their 2008 FA Cup final defeat to Portsmouth (Lewis Whyld/PA), Chelsea report: Romelu Lukaku and Tammy Abraham set to return under Todd Boehly's new era, Sheffield United vs Tottenham Hotspur live stream, match preview, team news and kick-off time for this FA Cup match, Manchester United vs West Ham United live stream, match preview, team news and kick-off time for this FA Cup match, Southampton vs Grimsby Town live stream, match preview, team news and kick-off time for this FA Cup match, Lothar Matthaus says Bayern Munichs defeat to Manchester United in the 1999 Champions League final still pains him: We were a lot better. A statement by Nicholas Davison, a friend of Peter Whittingham and his brother-in-law Robert Williams, said that the trio were in a round together while at the pub. 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 former Aston Villa youth player's pal said he fell in the corridor leading to the beer garden. Mrs Whittingham was told her husband had had an accident and had a fall and was in hospital. First and foremost, Peter was a family man - and somebody who could light up a room with his sense of humour, warmth and personality. The club added: "The news of Peters sudden and untimely passing has shaken us to our very foundation. You can unsubscribe at any time. 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. The news of Peters sudden and untimely passing has shaken us to our very foundation. Thoughts go out to his family.". In a statement read to the hearing, Williams said: I would say that we were all drunk by the night. He made more than 450 appearances for Cardiff before finishing his career at Blackburn in 2018.