", 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. 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. 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. The loss of Peter will be painfully felt by our city, supporters and indeed all who ever had the pleasure of knowing him. Bath As always you can unsubscribe at any time. But, most importantly of all, an inquest report can draw attention to circumstances which may stop further deaths from happening. Then, as a professional footballer as a Bluebird he excelled with talent, ease, grace and humility. 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. Whittingham is congratulated by Rickie Lambert after scoring a free kick against Sheffield Wednesday. You were one of the most technical and gifted players Ive played with and that left foot of yours was like a wand. Midfielder Peter Whittingham, 35, suffered a traumatic head injury at the pub nearly a year ago. She said on the morning on the day of the incident that led to his death the had been out for a walk before her husband went out with her brother Robert Williams in Barry. 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.". The exact cause of Whittingham's death has not yet been confirmed, but he was being treated for a head injury. 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. Solskjaer added: "I thoroughly enjoyed working with him during my time at Cardiff City. Midfielder Peter Whittingham, 35, who played for the club. The 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. 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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. He played 66 games for Villa and had loan spells at Burnley and Derby before embarking on a 10-year spell at Cardiff in January 2007. To see all content on The Sun, please use the Site Map. He did not regain consciousness and died in hospital 11 days later. pic.twitter.com/XZSSN2uRyA. CARDIFF legend Peter Whittingham has died at the age of 35 following an accidental fall in a pub. BA1 1UA. Another said: "What a tragedy. Peter was a fantastic footballer and an incredible human being. The Cardiff favourite retired from the pro game in 2017 after an impressive career that also included spells at Aston Villa and Blackburn Rovers. "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. I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Peter Whittingham, Solskjaer said. Around 3pm that afternoon they left to go to Barry together. She recalled he hadnt eaten since breakfast. He made more than 450 appearances for Cardiff before finishing his career at Blackburn in 2018. Former Cardiff midfielder fell down stairs at a pub last March, Inquest hears he was drinking with brother-in-law and friend. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. Peter Whittingham was a Cardiff City "legend", who "could light up a room with his sense of humour, warmth and personality". It is with an immeasurable amount of sorrow that we must inform supporters that Peter Whittingham has passed away at the age of 35. England and Wales company registration number 2008885. Over the course of the afternoon/evening he has consumed a quantity of alcohol that has likely impacted his demeanour and steadiness. 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. Thoughts are with his family and friends.. 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. He is believed to have fallen down a flight of stairs at a pub in Barry and was left with devastating head injuries. Whittingham was taken to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff. Around 3pm that afternoon they left to go to Barry together. She recalled he hadnt eaten since breakfast. The former Aston Villa youth player's pal said he fell in the corridor leading to the beer garden. 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. The left-footed maestro finished his career at Blackburn Rovers and played for England under-21s, earning 17 caps. My thoughts and prayers go out to your family, rest in peace Whitts was too young., Former Liverpool and England striker Fowler, who spent the 2007-08 season at Cardiff, tweeted: Just awful news Deepest sympathies go out to all his family and friends , one of lifes good guys, a genuinely real diamond of a man.. 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. Thoughts go out to his family.". He made over 450 appearances and scored 98 goals in 10 years at Cardiff before finishing his career at Blackburn in 2018. 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. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. 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. He was out with his brother-in-law and a friend when the incident happened just after 21:30 GMT. ALSO SEE - Coronavirus in football: List of confirmed cases. Should journalists shy away from attending inquests then an entire arm of the judicial system is not held to account. "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. 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. It takes just seconds to sign up - simply click here, enter your email address and follow the instructions. Harry: I always felt different to rest of family, Inside the enclave surrounded by pro-Russia forces, Street fighting in Bakhmut but Russia not in control, US-made cheese can be called 'gruyere' - court, Everything Everywhere wins big ahead of Oscars, Why Alex Murdaugh was spared the death penalty. "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. Thank you for signing up to Four Four Two. To inquire about a licence to reproduce material, visit our Syndication site. Wittingham started his career with Aston Villa before joining Cardiff in 2007. Cardiff City legend Peter Whittingham tragically died after falling through a pub fire door and hitting his head, an inquest heard. The coroner recorded a conclusion of accidental death. In her statement, made on July 1 last year, she said the couple met on a night out in Cardiff around 12 years ago. RIP. But he said the evening was a "blackout", and had no memory of the ex-footballer falling. Then, as a professional footballer as a Bluebird [Cardiff Citys nickname] he excelled with talent, ease, grace and humility. When is Eurovision and how do you get tickets? Inquests can often prompt a wider discussion on serious issues, the most recent of these being mental health and suicide. For further details of our complaints policy and to make a complaint please click this link: thesun.co.uk/editorial-complaints/, Peter Whittingham is critical in hospital, say police, Peter Whittingham is said to have suffered an accidental fall at a pub, Peter Whittingham's greatest goals for Cardiff City, Whittingham spent the best part of his career at Cardiff, The midfielder enjoyed a highly successful playing career, Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO). "I can also confirm I cannot remember seeing Pete fall, and only remember seeing him laying on the ground.". The ex-footballer had been in hospital for over a week prior to his death. Peter Whittingham dead at 35. We are heartbroken. As well as a brilliant strike rate of more than one in five, he also assisted many more with his classy left foot. Coroner Graeme Hughes recorded a verdict of accidental death at the inquest at Pontypridd Coroner's Court. On Wednesday, 18 March 2020, South Wales Police released the following statement: "At around . You were one of the most technical and gifted players Ive played with and that left foot of yours was like a wand. Over the course of the afternoon/evening he has consumed a quantity of alcohol that has likely impacted his demeanour and steadiness. He described a general confusion as nobody knew how Mr Whittingham had been knocked out. A medical cause of death was proposed as subdural hematoma operated. In a statement shortly after the incident Mr Williams said: I have no idea what happened to Peter. The news of Peters sudden and untimely passing has shaken us to our very foundation. 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. 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. Cardiff said they were "heartbroken" in a statement on their website. DC Jenkins said it does not capture Peter Whittingham's fall but the build-up. I will forever be grateful for you taking me under your wing, he said on Instagram. It read: "At around 10pm on March 7, South Wales Police were called to a licensed premises in Barry. To inquire about a licence to reproduce material, visit our Syndication site. 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. CARDIFF legend Peter Whittingham has died at the age of 35 following an accidental fall in a pub. View our online Press Pack. The ex- Rovers man, who died last year aged 35 and spent a year at Ewood Park making 24 appearances, sustained a head injury in a fall at a pub in Barry on March 7 last year. 2023 BBC. Peter Whittingham Death. But a police statement claimed that it appeared to have been an accident, with no confirmation over any arrests. Medical evidence is now being heard at the inquest. Nobody did it better. 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. 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. We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. 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. He described finding the footballer lying at the bottom of the stairs with his face to the side, but when he tried to lift him, Mr Whittingham's body was limp. FourFourTwo was launched in 1994 on the back of a World Cup that England hadnt even qualified for. Former Cardiff midfielder Peter Whittingham dies aged 35, Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning. The head injury he was suffered came as a result. Get the best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week. The couple were expecting their second child when Whittingham died, with their newest son born two months after the incident in May 2020. Get insight to top players, instructions & drills and extensive coverage of equipment. "Then, as a professional footballer - as a Bluebird - he excelled with talent, ease, grace and humility. 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. It was an act of madness but it somehow worked out. He added that Mr Whittingham was not a smoker. First and foremost, Peter was a family man - and somebody who could light up a room with his sense of humour, warmth and personality. His retirement came about in 2018 after a spell with Blackburn Rovers. 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. 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.. All at Aston Villa are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Peter Whittingham, an Academy graduate and FA Youth Cup winner who represented our first team between 2003 and 2007, the Premier League club posted on their Twitter account. How did Peter Whittingham die? 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. There was a problem. 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. The Police said in a further statement on Thursday that a file of evidence is being prepared for the coroner. 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.. You can unsubscribe at any time. All rights reserved. Police officer DC Steven Jenkins said he secured the CCTV footage which has been previously mentioned during the hearing. Mr Williams said: "I have no idea what happened to Peter. Whittingham fell down the stairs at a pub in Barry on March 7, 2020. "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 left Cardiff for Blackburn Rovers in 2017, before having his contract terminated just over a year later. I really cannot remember anything much of what happened.". "The Sun", "Sun", "Sun Online" are registered trademarks or trade names of News Group Newspapers Limited. Robert Williams, Mr Whittingham's brother-in-law, told Pontypridd Coroner's Court they had been drinking lager, bitter and tequila through the afternoon and evening along with friend Ryan Taylor, and the evening was a "blackout" in his memory. Im proud to have played alongside you and will always remember the young vs old games and you just running the show. She was told he had sustained a bleed to the brain and needed an operation. CNN Sans & 2016 Cable News Network. 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. 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". 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 Police officer DC Steve Jenkins described seeing light-hearted play fighting which evidently involves no malice whatsoever and they are all smiling throughout after reviewing CCTV footage of the incident at the Park Hotel. "The news of Peter's sudden and untimely passing has shaken us to our very foundation. Nuneaton-born Whittingham began his career at boyhood club Aston Villa and was part of the club's 2002 FA Youth Cup-winning team. Without the attendance of the press at inquests questions will remain unanswered and lives will be lost. After being transferred to hospital and undergoing an operation Mr Hughes said his condition deteriorated and Mr Whittingham later died in hospital. He made over 450 appearances and scored 98 goals in 10 years at Cardiff before finishing his career at Blackburn in 2018. 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. 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 . Its hard to believe that he has been taken from us at such a young age.. 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 was living in Dinas Powys, Vale of Glamorgan, with Amanda and his young son when he died. "This has led to a traumatic head injury.". However, as has been seen by many powerful media campaigns, the input of a persons family and friends can make all the difference in helping to save others. 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. CARDIFF CITY legend Peter Whittingham has tragically died at the age of 35. A number of Mr Whittinghams family are listening to the inquest remotely including his wife, brother, and sister. He died. We love you Pete and your memory will eternally stay with us., READ: Borussia Monchengladbach players offer to give up their salaries. Or why not treat yourself? The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Visit CNN.com/sport for more news, features, and videos. By March 17 he had been off sedative drugs for a number of days but neurological recovery remained poor. Peter Whittingham inquest hears former Cardiff and Aston Villa star died after tragic pub accident Whittingham, a former England U21s international, sustained a head injury in a fall at a. An inquest report can also clear up any rumours or suspicion surrounding a persons death. Thoughts go to all the family, friends and club in this difficult time. We unashamedly love this game and we hope that our coverage reflects that. He is believed to have fallen down a flight of stairs at a pub in Barry and was left. 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. 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. Peter Whittingham died from fall after 'play fight', inquest is told, Peter Whittingham made over 450 appearances and scored 98 goals in 10 years at Cardiff City, Whittingham played in two major finals for Cardiff and was part of their Championship-winning side in 2013. View our online Press Pack. Mrs Whittingham gave birth to their second son two months after his death. Former Cardiff City midfielder Peter Whittingham has died aged 35. 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., Get the FREE Mirror Football newsletter with the day's key headlines and transfer news straight into your inbox. Just shows how precious life is. He was rushed to hospital but failed to regain consciousness, sadly passing away 11 days later.