Mr 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. 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.. Whittingham is congratulated by Rickie Lambert after scoring a free kick against Sheffield Wednesday. His retirement came about in 2018 after a spell with Blackburn Rovers. There was a problem. 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. 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. She said she woke at around midnight to find her mum banging on her door. 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. Peter Whittingham is said to have suffered an accidental fall at a pub. Bodycam footage of the aftermath of the incident captured Mr Taylor saying friendly banter when asked by an officer how he had fallen. Former Blackburn Rovers midfielder Peter Whittingham tragically died after falling through a pub fire door and hitting his head, an inquest heard. We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. As well as a brilliant strike rate of more than one in five, he also assisted many more with his classy left foot. Updated 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. 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. Nobody did it better. 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. Whittingham's wife and mother to their two young boys, Amanda Whittingham, told the hearing he left their home around 3pm without eating since breakfast as he was in a "rush" to catch the game. The Championship club confirmed the former Bluebirds midfielder had died after a police statement earlier in the week that he was in a critical condition in hospital. We love you Pete and your memory will eternally stay with us., READ: Borussia Monchengladbach players offer to give up their salaries. The ex-Bluebirds midfielder, who died last year aged 35 and. . Then, as a professional footballer - as a Bluebird - he excelled with talent, ease, grace and humility. 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. As painful as these proceedings are for those who have lost a loved one the lessons that can be learned from inquests can go a long way to saving others lives. The ex-footballer had been in hospital for over a week prior to his death. But his real success came after transferring to Welsh side Cardiff City for 350,000 ($412,000) in 2007, according to the BBC. 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. When is Eurovision and how do you get tickets? 2023 BBC. One of the best players to play in the Championship. Peter will be deeply missed and our thoughts are with his family at this very sad time.. The Sun website is regulated by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO), Our journalists strive for accuracy but on occasion we make mistakes. When I looked more closely at Peter, I could see he wasnt moving and something was wrong.. He was also part of the defeated 2012 League Cup final side who took Liverpool to penalties after a 2-2 draw. 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. Or why not treat yourself? 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. It is with an immeasurable amount of sorrow that we must inform supporters that Peter Whittingham has passed away at the age of 35. "I can also confirm I cannot remember seeing Pete fall, and only remember seeing him laying on the ground.". 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. 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. 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 Get the best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week. Midfielder Peter Whittingham, 35, who played for the club. Visit CNN.com/sport for more news, features, and videos. I just know he had hit his head on the small step on the stairs. Mrs Whittingham gave birth to their second son two months after his death. "The Sun", "Sun", "Sun Online" are registered trademarks or trade names of News Group Newspapers Limited. 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. 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. It read: "At around 10pm on March 7, South Wales Police were called to a licensed premises in Barry. 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 former Cardiff midfielder has died at the age of 35 following a fall 12 days ago. 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.. 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. Cardiff said Whittinghams death had left them heartbroken and had shaken us to our very foundation. Thoughts are with his family and friends.. I can also confirm I cannot remember seeing Pete fall, and only remember seeing him laying on the ground.. I just know he had hit his head on the small step on the stairs.. Former Cardiff City midfielder Peter Whittingham has died aged 35. 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. Without the attendance of the press at inquests questions will remain unanswered and lives will be lost. Its hard to believe that he has been taken from us at such a young age. Mr Davison said: "All of us were pretty drunk at that point.". He also played a key hand in helping the club win promotion to the Premier League in 2013 for the first time. What's the least amount of exercise we can get away with? News Group Newspapers Limited in England No. 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. 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". Whittingham suffered serious head injuries at a pub in Barry from what South Wales Police described as an. 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). One wrote on Twitter: "Incredibly sad news. Discovery Company. One of the best players to play in the Championship. It was an act of madness but it somehow worked out. In a statement shortly after the incident Mr Williams said: I have no idea what happened to Peter. Often families do not wish to speak to the press and of course that decision has to be respected. Did you encounter any technical issues? The ex-Bluebirds midfielder, who died last year aged 35 and. "The loss of Peter will be painfully felt by our city, supporters and indeed all who ever had the pleasure of knowing him. 11:49 AM EDT, Fri March 20, 2020, Former Premier League footballer dead at 35. After being transferred to hospital and undergoing an operation Mr Hughes said his condition deteriorated and Mr Whittingham later died in hospital. Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, This service is provided on News Group Newspapers' Limited's Standard Terms and Conditions in accordance with our Privacy & Cookie Policy. Mr Lewis said he went to the area and saw someone lying on the floor before calling the emergency services. He adds that he could not remember much of what had happened or the events of the following day. Match of the Day: What fans can expect as show returns this weekend. Thoughts go to all the family, friends and club in this difficult time. "The loss of Peter will be painfully felt by our city, supporters and indeed all who ever had the pleasure of knowing him. 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. Whittingham played in the FA Cup final in 2008 and the Carling Cup final in 2012, and collected a Championship winners medal in 2013 as Cardiff were promoted to the Premier League. 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. DC Jenkins said it does not capture Peter Whittingham's fall but the build-up. The Police said in a further statement on Thursday that a file of evidence is being prepared for the coroner. The loss of Peter will be painfully felt by our city, supporters and indeed all who ever had the pleasure of knowing him. "Enquiries are continuing into the circumstances of the incident.". "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. "Our love goes out to his wife Amanda, their young son and family. Fans have been posting their tributes on social media since Whittingham's tragic plight was revealed earlier this week. Another said: "What a tragedy. 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. The loss of Peter will be painfully felt by our city, supporters and indeed all who ever had the pleasure of knowing him. Our love goes out to his wife Amanda, their young son and family. 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. 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. Peter was a fantastic footballer and an incredible human being. RIP". 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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. A statement by Mr Whittingham's brother-in-law Robert Williams is now being read to the inquest. The inquest heard Mr Whittingham underwent an emergency operation after the incident to relieve pressure on his brain and was later sent to the intensive care unit. All Rights Reserved. Young guy's life taken so quickly after a freak accident. 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. All rights reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885. Peter was a fantastic footballer and an incredible human being. We love you Pete and your memory will eternally stay with us.. Mr Taylor was out drinking with Robert Williams and Peter Whittingham on the day of the incident in Barry. Mr Taylor said Mr Whittingham's eyes were "wide open and were almost completely white" having rolled to the back of his head. To see all content on The Sun, please use the Site Map. After leaving the Welsh capital in 2017, he spent a season at Blackburn Rovers before retiring in 2018. Our thoughts are with his loved ones at this incredibly difficult time.. He is believed to have fallen down a flight of stairs at a pub in Barry and was left. 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. 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. Mrs Whittingham also provided a witness statement which was read at the hearing. "We are heartbroken. By March 17 he had been off sedative drugs for a number of days but neurological recovery remained poor. The coroner recorded a conclusion of accidental death. A medical cause of death was proposed as subdural hematoma operated. A statement read by Mr Whittingham's wife, Amanda, to members of the press ahead of the formal start of the hearing saw her call for him to be remembered for all he achieved. 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. The exact cause of Whittingham's death has not yet been confirmed, but he was being treated for a head injury. We love you Pete and your memory will eternally stay with us.". He described a general confusion as nobody knew how Mr Whittingham had been knocked out. Coronavirus Stay At Home challenge: What is it and how do you play? 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. Young guy's life taken so quickly after a freak accident. The talented playmaker was named in the Championship Team of the Year on three occasions - also twice winning Cardiffs Player of the Season accolade. Nobody did it better. He was taken to Cardiff's University Hospital of Wales and placed on life support but later died. 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. Mrs Whittingham was told her husband had had an accident and had a fall and was in hospital. You will be missed but never forgotten. Cardiff City legend Peter Whittingham tragically died after falling through a pub fire door and hitting his head, an inquest heard. 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.. "I just know he had hit his head on the small step on the stairs. The former Aston Villa youth player's pal said he fell in the corridor leading to the beer garden. Something went wrong, please try again later. The first witness statement to be read to the hearing is from Mr Whittinghams wife Amanda. 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. I cannot remember being in the corridor and messing about with Pete and Ryan. "Our thoughts are with his friends and family at this difficult 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. Cardiff City FC (@CardiffCityFC) March 19, 2020. 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. FourFourTwo is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. We are heartbroken. The head injury he was suffered came as a result. 2. 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. What was his cause of death? The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Its hard to believe that he has been taken from us at such a young age.. 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 said: On March 7, 2020, he attended a pub in Barry with friends and relatives. Whittingham burst onto the scene with Villa before making his name at Cardiff where he helped them win promotion to the Premier League in 2013. Manchester United chief Ole Gunnar Solskjaer - his former boss at Cardiff - paid tribute to Whittingham, calling him a "fantastic footballer and incredible human being". When I looked more closely I could see he was not moving and something was wrong.. 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. The head injury he was suffered came as a result of a fall in a pub in Barry. He was living in Dinas Powys, Vale of Glamorgan, with Amanda and his young son when he died. "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.". 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