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". Cardiff said they were "heartbroken" in a statement on their website. Mr Hughes recorded the date of death as March 18 at the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff and the cause of death as subdural hematoma (operated). Mr Williams said: "I have no idea what happened to Peter. 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. But a police statement claimed that it appeared to have been an accident, with no confirmation over any arrests. A representative for brewer SA Brain, Richard Otley, is also present on the call. England and Wales company registration number 2008885. Peter's teammate Michael Chopra confirmed his death on Twitter. "We love you Pete and your memory will eternally stay with us.". But he said the evening was a blackout, and had no memory of the former footballer falling. Then, as a professional footballer as a Bluebird he excelled with talent, ease, grace and humility. 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. He was taken to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff but his condition deteriorated and he died on 18 March. 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. Another said: "What a tragedy. 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. We love you Pete and your memory will eternally stay with us.. Wittingham started his career with Aston Villa before joining Cardiff in 2007. The first witness statement to be read to the hearing is from Mr Whittinghams wife Amanda. Peter Whittingham pictured playing for Cardiff in October 2015. Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, News Group Newspapers Limited in England No. Former Blackburn Rovers midfielder Peter Whittingham tragically died after falling through a pub fire door and hitting his head, an inquest heard. Mr Hughes passed his deepest condolences to the family and friends of Mr Whittingham as he ended the hearing. 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. He later died at 1.51pm on March 18. 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. 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. 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. Mr Taylor said Whittingham's eyes were "wide open and were almost completely white" having rolled to the back of his head. Nuneaton-born Whittingham began his career at boyhood club Aston Villa and was part of the club's 2002 FA Youth Cup-winning team. 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. "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. How did Peter Whittingham die? Police officer DC Steven Jenkins said he secured the CCTV footage which has been previously mentioned during the hearing. The club added: "The news of Peters sudden and untimely passing has shaken us to our very foundation. The coroner recorded a conclusion of accidental death. Mr Hughes ended the hearing by passing his deepest condolences to the family and friends of Mr Whittingham. "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. "Over the course of the afternoon/evening he has consumed a quantity of alcohol that has likely impacted his demeanour and steadiness," he said. I just know he had hit his head on the small step on the stairs.. 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. pic.twitter.com/pr2e2QKmJJ. At around 9pm a female customer alerted him to the incident, saying: Someone's been knocked out." 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. Over the course of the afternoon/evening he has consumed a quantity of alcohol that has likely impacted his demeanour and steadiness. Ex-Chelsea ace Costa carried off with serious-looking injury for Wolves vs Spurs, Cherries take shock lead at Arsenal after 9 SECONDS with 'kick-off glitch', Moment Aston Villa's Leon Bailey inhales 'laughing gas' after all night party, 'Professional boxer' Paul teases announcement with hilarious video after Fury loss, News Group Newspapers Limited in England No. Whittingham was taken to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff. Whittingham is survived by wife Amanda, who is currently expecting their third child. In his statement Mr Taylor said he must have been referring to the play fight. All Rights Reserved. My deepest sympathy to your family x Heart broken x., You my friend will received by the heavens with open arms. Our love goes out to his wife Amanda, their young son and family. 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. "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 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 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. 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. He made 16 appearances for Englands Under-21 team in that time, scoring three goals, while featuring in Villas Premier League side. 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. Then, as a professional footballer - as a Bluebird - he excelled with talent, ease, grace and humility. The hearing was told how Mr Whittingham had been drinking for hours while watching Wales v England in the Six Nations. He did not regain consciousness and died in hospital 11 days later. After leaving the Welsh capital in 2017, he spent a season at Blackburn Rovers before retiring in 2018. 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. Peter was a fantastic footballer and an incredible human being. Mrs Whittingham was told her husband had had an accident and had a fall and was in hospital. He added that Mr Whittingham was not a smoker. 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. He also played for England's Under-21s 17 times, as well as Aston Villa. ", One Sheffield Wednesday fan wrote: "RIP Peter Whittingham, really good player and was always on my signing wish list.". 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. He described seeing light-hearted play fighting which evidently involves no malice whatsoever and they are all smiling throughout. 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. 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. He died at University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff, police said. 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. He played 66 games for Villa and had loan spells at Burnley and Derby before joining Cardiff in 2007. He adds that he could not remember much of what had happened or the events of the following day. 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. He was taken to Cardiff's University Hospital of Wales and placed on life support but later died. "The news of Peters sudden and untimely passing has shaken us to our very foundation. We love you Pete and your memory will eternally stay with us., READ: Borussia Monchengladbach players offer to give up their salaries. All rights reserved. One wrote on Twitter: "Incredibly sad news. The model, 37, told how she and the former footballer, 41 . There's an 'unsubscribe' button at the bottom of every newsletter we send out. 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. He added there was some mucking about but it was good-natured. 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. THE midfielder 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. ALSO SEE - Coronavirus in football: List of confirmed cases. We love you Pete and your memory will eternally stay with us., Were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Peter Whittingham, who made 17 appearances for our Under-21s between 2004 and 2007.Our thoughts are with his friends and family at this difficult time. He was rushed to hospital but failed to regain consciousness, sadly passing away 11 days later. South Wales Police released a statement on Wednesday revealing what happened after social media users had speculated about his condition. 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. "The loss of Peter will be painfully felt by our city, supporters and indeed all who ever had the pleasure of knowing him. He said: "On March 7, 2020, he attended a pub in Barry with friends and relatives. CARDIFF CITY legend Peter Whittingham has tragically died at the age of 35. 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. We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. Mrs Whittingham also provided a witness statement which was read at the hearing. Whittingham's brother-in-law Robert Williams said the pair and friend Ryan Taylor had been drinking lager, bitter, and tequila during the afternoon and evening. Its hard to believe that he has been taken from us at such a young age. 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. Former Premier League midfielder Peter Whittingham, considered an all-time Cardiff City great, died after falling through a fire door while engaging in 'horseplay'. In a statement read to the hearing, Williams said: I would say that we were all drunk by the night. He is believed to have fallen down a flight of stairs at a pub in Barry and was left. Since the news of Wittingham's death, fans have taken to social media to pay tribute to the former midfielder. "This has led to a traumatic head injury.". Coroner Graeme Hughes has recorded an accidental death conclusion. One of the best players to play in the Championship. What a player Peter Whittingham was.Gone far too soon. Midfielder Peter Whittingham, 35, suffered a traumatic head injury at the pub nearly a year ago. The news of Peters sudden and untimely passing has shaken us to our very foundation. "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. 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. ", 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. "We are heartbroken. Whittinghams former club, Cardiff City, expressed heartbreak in a statement on its website. Nobody did it better. 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.. 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 added he and Mr Whittingham were at the pub to watch the Wales v England match. Former Aston Villa star Peter Whittingham tragically died after falling through a pub fire door and hitting his head, an inquest heard.. 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. She said she woke at around midnight to find her mum banging on her door. For other inquiries, Contact Us. You will be missed but never forgotten. 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. 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. It was while at the club he met his wife, Amanda, with whom he lived in Dinas Powys, Vale of Glamorgan, with their son who was born in 2018. Cardiff said Whittinghams death had left them heartbroken and had 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. To make sure you never miss out on your favourite NEW stories, we're happy to send you some reminders, Click 'OK' then 'Allow' to enable notifications, .css-1diosym{color:black;}@media (prefers-color-scheme:dark){.css-1diosym{color:#fff;}}Published14:44,03 March 2021 GMT@media (prefers-color-scheme:dark){.css-jirzs7{color:#72B97D;}}| Last updated14:56,03 March 2021 GMT. When I looked more closely at Peter, I could see he wasn't moving and something was wrong," he told the court. "The Sun", "Sun", "Sun Online" are registered trademarks or trade names of News Group Newspapers Limited. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. You can also subscribe to tailored content for Swansea, Newport, rugby, Cardiff City FC, Swansea City FC and more. ", The midfielder's tragic death has led to an outpouring of grief on social media, Peter Whittingham dead at 35: Cardiff legend leaves behind pregnant wife after suffering fatal head injuries in pub fall, Jon Jones vs Ciryl Gane - UFC 285 LIVE RESULTS: Latest updates as Bones returns in HUGE heavyweight title clash - latest, Chelsea owner Todd Boehly 'leaning towards KNOCKING DOWN Stamford Bridge', with new stadium 'most likely option', Man City's Kyle Walker locks lips with wife despite history of cheating including love child and orgy with hookers, Mystery US bidder joins Qataris and Ratcliffe in final Man Utd takeover stage, but Joel and Avi Glazer not keen on sale, Misfits Boxing 005 LIVE RESULTS: Jay Swingler fight DECISION, Tag team clash ends WILDLY, Astrid Wett WINS, Liverpool vs Man Utd betting preview: Tips, predictions, boosted odds and sign up bonuses for Premier League clash, Sam Allardyce sues 'thug in a suit' Irish property developer for 3.5million, Mercedes could be forced to SCRAP car for Lewis Hamilton to have a chance of winning F1 world title, Toto Wolff admits, Billionaire Jahm Najafi to target Everton takeover after meeting Daniel Levy for first time, rushed to hospital after an incident on Saturday March 7, Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO). 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 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. Updated This means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. View our online Press Pack. The Police said in a further statement on Thursday that a file of evidence is being prepared for the coroner. 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. 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. The exact cause of Whittingham's death has not yet been confirmed, but he was being treated for a head injury. 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.. Changed your mind? 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. I will forever be grateful for you taking me under your wing, he said on Instagram. Without the attendance of the press at inquests questions will remain unanswered and lives will be lost. The Cardiff City legend, 35,. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). Peter Whittingham underwent an emergency operation after the incident to relieve pressure on his brain and was later sent to the intensive care unit. 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. Peter Whittingham is said to have suffered an accidental fall at a pub. Coroner Graeme Hughes recorded an accidental death conclusion. "First and foremost, Peter was a family man - and somebody who could light up a room with his sense of humour, warmth and personality. 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. 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. Often families do not wish to speak to the press and of course that decision has to be respected. Cardiff City legend Peter Whittingham tragically died after falling through a pub fire door and hitting his head, an inquest heard. He made more than 450 appearances for Cardiff before finishing his career at Blackburn in 2018. She was told he had sustained a bleed to the brain and needed an operation. Aston Villa and Blackburn both paid tribute to their former player. 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. Fans have been posting their tributes on social media since Whittingham's tragic plight was revealed earlier this week. 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. 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. "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. 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.". For other inquiries, Contact Us. 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. Our love goes out to his wife Amanda, their young son and family. The loss of Peter will be painfully felt by our city, supporters and indeed all who ever had the pleasure of knowing him. The inquest heard that several pints and shots were consumed by the group at the Park pub. Young guy's life taken so quickly after a freak accident. 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. I cannot remember being in the corridor and messing about with Pete and Ryan. He died. A medical cause of death was proposed as subdural hematoma operated. First and foremost, Peter was a family man and somebody who could light up a room with his sense of humour, warmth and personality. DC Jenkins said it does not capture Peter Whittingham's fall but the build-up. What science tells us about the afterlife. The head injury he was suffered came as a result of a fall in a pub in Barry. Former Cardiff midfielder Peter Whittingham dies aged 35, Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning. Mrs Whittingham gave birth to their second son two months after his death. 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. But his real success came after transferring to Welsh side Cardiff City for 350,000 ($412,000) in 2007, according to the BBC.