One added: "So sad to hear about Peter Whittingham! 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. The head injury he was suffered came as a result. Peter Whittingham in action for Derby County Coroner Graeme Hughes recorded an accidental death conclusion. Coroner Graeme Hughes recorded an accidental death conclusion. 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. 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.". To inquire about a licence to reproduce material, visit our Syndication site. The loss of Peter will be painfully felt by our city, supporters and indeed all who ever had the pleasure of knowing him. 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. She was told he had sustained a bleed to the brain and needed an operation. Whittinghams former club, Cardiff City, expressed heartbreak in a statement on its website. 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. The ex-Villa midfielder, who died last year aged 35 . 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. 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. Heres how it works. It takes just seconds to sign up - simply click here, enter your email address and follow the instructions. Mr Whittinghams wife Amanda addressed the members of the press ahead of the formal start of the hearing and called for her partner to be remembered for all he had achieved. Reaching a verdict of accidental death, Coroner Graeme Hughes said: On March 7, 2020, he attended a pub in Barry with friends and relatives. Peter Whittingham is said to have suffered an accidental fall at a pub. Midfielder Peter Whittingham, 35, suffered a traumatic head injury at the pub nearly a year ago. As well as a brilliant strike rate of more than one in five, he also assisted many more with his classy left foot. RIP. 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). 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. 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. Nobody did it better. Mr Hughes passed his deepest condolences to the family and friends of Mr Whittingham as he ended the hearing. He also played for England's Under-21s 17 times, as well as Aston Villa. CARDIFF legend Peter Whittingham has died at the age of 35 following an accidental fall in a pub. CARDIFF legend Peter Whittingham has died at the age of 35 following an accidental fall in a pub. Mrs Whittingham gave birth to their second son two months after his death. Should journalists shy away from attending inquests then an entire arm of the judicial system is not held to account. The loss of Peter will be painfully felt by our city, supporters and indeed all who ever had the pleasure of knowing him. Often families do not wish to speak to the press and of course that decision has to be respected. 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. 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. "Our love goes out to his wife Amanda, their young son and family. Its hard to believe that he has been taken from us at such a young age.. The first witness statement to be read to the hearing is from Mr Whittinghams wife Amanda. 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. Mr Williams said: I cannot remember any of the specific events of the play fight that is captured in the CCTV footage. Mr Taylor was out drinking with Robert Williams and Peter Whittingham on the day of the incident in Barry. 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. Former Premier League midfielder Peter Whittingham, considered an all-time Cardiff City great, died after falling through a fire door while engaging in 'horseplay'. 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. Our mission is to offer our intelligent, international audience access to the games biggest names, insightful analysis and a bit of a giggle. 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. "I can also confirm I cannot remember seeing Pete fall, and only remember seeing him laying on the ground.". Former Cardiff midfielder Peter Whittingham dies aged 35, Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning. I thoroughly enjoyed working with him during my time at Cardiff City. More info. 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. The former Aston Villa youth player's pal said he fell in the corridor leading to the beer garden. 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. 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.". "We love you Pete and your memory will eternally stay with us.". The former playmaker made 413 appearances for Cardiff, scoring 85 goals during a career spanning ten years in the Welsh capital. 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.. He spent a decade with the Bluebirds, becoming a fan favourite during his 459 appearances. Former Cardiff midfielder fell down stairs at a pub last March, Inquest hears he was drinking with brother-in-law and friend. Do you know this baby? Plus tips on how to play better and interviews with the biggest names. 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. He made 16 appearances for Englands Under-21 team in that time, scoring three goals, while featuring in Villas Premier League side. Our thoughts are with his loved ones at this incredibly difficult time.. I dont even remember much of the following day.. Our love goes out to his wife Amanda, their young son and family. Mr Taylor said Whittingham's eyes were "wide open and were almost completely white" having rolled to the back of his head. A medical cause of death was proposed as subdural hematoma operated. 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. Coroner Graeme Hughes said Whittingham had "consumed a quantity of alcohol that has likely impacted on his demeanour and steadiness" before he fell. This service is provided on News Group Newspapers' Limited's Standard Terms and Conditions in accordance with our Privacy & Cookie Policy. How did Peter Whittingham die? To see all content on The Sun, please use the Site Map. 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. The ex-Aston Villa player had been in hospital for more than a week after suffering a head injury in a fall in a pub in. In a statement read to the hearing, Mr Williams said: "I would say that we were all drunk by the night. The coroner recorded a conclusion of accidental death. His retirement came about in 2018 after a spell with Blackburn Rovers. Get insight to top players, instructions & drills and extensive coverage of equipment. 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. The former Cardiff midfielder has died at the age of 35 following a fall 12 days ago. 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. Coronavirus Stay At Home challenge: What is it and how do you play? 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. In his 10 years at the club, Whittingham became a firm fan favorite, making 456 appearances and scored 96 goals including 25 goals in one season from midfield. He later died at 1.51pm on March 18. 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. Mr Taylor said Mr Whittingham's eyes were "wide open and were almost completely white" having rolled to the back of his head. 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. "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. "Its hard to believe that he has been taken from us at such a young age. Alan Lewis, general manager of the Park Hotel since October 2019, said March 7 last year was very busy due to the rugby international match. Mr Williams said: "I have no idea what happened to Peter. But a police statement claimed that it appeared to have been an accident, with no confirmation over any arrests. 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. 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. 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. Around 3pm that afternoon they left to go to Barry together. She recalled he hadnt eaten since breakfast. 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. What a player Peter Whittingham was.Gone far too soon. But his real success came after transferring to Welsh side Cardiff City for 350,000 ($412,000) in 2007, according to the BBC. Whittingham is survived by wife Amanda, who is currently expecting their third child. 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. Abbey Clancy and her husband Peter Crouched discussed renewing their wedding vows as they appeared on The Jonathan Ross Show on Friday.. He said: On March 7, 2020, he attended a pub in Barry with friends and relatives. He is believed to have fallen down a flight of stairs at a pub in Barry and was left with devastating head injuries. 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. Coroner Graeme Hughes recorded a verdict of accidental death at the inquest at Pontypridd Coroner's Court. Young guy's life taken so quickly after a freak accident. Mr Williams said it showed a play fight and them messing around with Mr Whittingham. Over the course of the afternoon/evening he has consumed a quantity of alcohol that has likely impacted his demeanour and steadiness. 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. Peter Whittingham dead at 35. 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 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. 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. Get the best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week. He said at time of the incident the only people present were Robert Williams, Ryan Taylor, and Mr Whittingham. Thank you for signing up to Four Four Two. The ex-Bluebirds midfielder, who died last year aged 35 and. pic.twitter.com/XZSSN2uRyA. 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. "Then, as a professional footballer - as a Bluebird - he excelled with talent, ease, grace and humility. 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. 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. Thoughts go to all the family, friends and club in this difficult time. 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 was taken to Cardiff's University Hospital of Wales and placed on life support but later died. There's an 'unsubscribe' button at the bottom of every newsletter we send out. 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. Peter will be deeply missed and our thoughts are with his family at this very sad time.. 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. Another said: "What a tragedy. Midfielder Peter Whittingham, 35, who played for the club. "When I looked more closely I could see he was not moving and something was wrong.". Thoughts go out to his family.". The news of Peters sudden and untimely passing has shaken us to our very foundation. 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. After leaving the Welsh capital in 2017, he spent a season at Blackburn Rovers before retiring in 2018. She said she woke at around midnight to find her mum banging on her door. 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. 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. Mrs Whittingham was told her husband had had an accident and had a fall and was in hospital. Blackburn said: Rovers are deeply saddened to learn the news that former midfielder Peter Whittingham has passed away, aged 35. When I looked more closely at Peter, I could see he wasnt moving and something was wrong.. All Rights Reserved. Whittingham fell down the stairs at a pub in Barry on March 7, 2020. "At this stage there is no evidence or suggestion of a criminal act, and it appears the injury was caused by an accidental fall. As always you can unsubscribe at any time. 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. ", Another commented: "Sending love and best wishes to Peter's family and to all of you that enjoyed watching him play.". A tribute to Peter Whittingham at Cardiff City Stadium last June. I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Peter Whittingham, Solskjaer said. FourFourTwo is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. His languid style, his talented left foot former Germany midfielder Dietmar Hamann referred to as one of the best left pegs Ive seen and his uncanny ability to score long-range goals helped Cardiff reach the 2008 FA Cup final and the 2012 League Cup final. "The news of Peters sudden and untimely passing has shaken us to our very foundation. "Over the course of the afternoon/evening he has consumed a quantity of alcohol that has likely impacted his demeanour and steadiness," he said. Thoughts are with his family and friends pic.twitter.com/VnbPieSlrX. Cardiff said Whittinghams death had left them heartbroken and had shaken us to our very foundation. He said: "On March 7, 2020, he attended a pub in Barry with friends and relatives. The model, 37, told how she and the former footballer, 41 . Its a journalists duty to make sure the public understands the reasons why someone has died and to make sure their deaths are not kept secret. Something went wrong, please try again later. He left Cardiff for Blackburn Rovers in 2017, before having his contract terminated just over a year later. The Bluebirds icon was rushed to hospital after an incident on Saturday March 7. First and foremost, Peter was a family man - and somebody who could light up a room with his sense of humour, warmth and personality. My deepest sympathy to your family x Heart broken x., You my friend will received by the heavens with open arms. "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. Discovery Company. Nobody did it better. I will forever be grateful for you taking me under your wing, he said on Instagram. 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. I thoroughly enjoyed working with him during my time at Cardiff City. Just shows how precious life is. The Cardiff City legend, 35,. "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," he told the court. 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 Sun website is regulated by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO), Our journalists strive for accuracy but on occasion we make mistakes. 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. But he said the evening was a "blackout", and had no memory of the ex-footballer falling. 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. 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. Coroner Graeme Hughes said Whittingham had consumed a quantity of alcohol that has likely impacted on his demeanour and steadiness before he fell. The official England teams and English Football League Twitter accounts also paid tribute, with the latter describing Whittingham as a @CardiffCityFC and EFL legend. The loss of Peter will be painfully felt by our city, supporters and indeed all who ever had the pleasure of knowing him. Former Cardiff City midfielder Peter Whittingham has died aged 35. Wittingham started his career with Aston Villa before joining Cardiff in 2007. He adds that he could not remember much of what had happened or the events of the following day. The hearing was told how Mr Whittingham had been drinking for hours while watching Wales v England in the Six Nations. See today's front and back pages, download the newspaper, order back issues and use the historic Daily Express newspaper archive. Read about our approach to external linking. 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. But he said the evening was a blackout, and had no memory of the former footballer falling. This means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. Cardiff City legend Peter Whittingham tragically died after falling through a pub fire door and hitting his head, an inquest heard. 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. Without the attendance of the press at inquests questions will remain unanswered and lives will be lost. Whittingham died on 20 March aged 35 after suffering a head injury. He made more than 450 appearances for Cardiff before finishing his career at Blackburn in 2018. He was taken to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff but his condition deteriorated and he died on 18 March. The couple were expecting their second child when Whittingham died, with their newest son born two months after the incident in May 2020. RIP". "First and foremost, Peter was a family man - and somebody who could light up a room with his sense of humour, warmth and personality. "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. Fans have been posting their tributes on social media since Whittingham's tragic plight was revealed earlier this week. 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. For other inquiries, Contact Us. "This has led to a traumatic head injury.". 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: 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.. I really cannot remember anything much of what happened.". Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). 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. I just know he had hit his head on the small step on the stairs.. 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". By March 17 he had been off sedative drugs for a number of days but neurological recovery remained poor. A medical cause of death was proposed as subdural hematoma operated. She is expecting their second child. 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.. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. 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. 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. You will be missed but never forgotten. On Wednesday, South Wales Police had released a statement detailing an accident that had occurred in Barry after rumours of Whittingham's death on social media users began to circulate. "The Sun", "Sun", "Sun Online" are registered trademarks or trade names of News Group Newspapers Limited. Peter Whittingham started his career at Aston Villa before joining Cardiff FC in 2007, The midfielder played for Cardiff until 2017, Tributes left outside Cardiff City stadium for Peter Whittingham. 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. 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. Peter was a fantastic footballer and an incredible human being. 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. A statement by Mr Whittingham's brother-in-law Robert Williams is now being read to the inquest. 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.