Gary Speed sent texts to wife about "taking his life"

By Andrew Warshaw

January 30 – Former Welsh manager Gary Speed texted his wife, Louise Speed (pictured), four days before his tragic death and “talked in terms of taking his life”, an inquest was told today.

The football world was stunned when Speed, who played for Leeds United, Everton, Newcastle, Bolton Wanderers and Sheffield United, was found hanged at his Cheshire home on November 27 last year.

His widow told an inquest hearing that she had a text conversation with him just days before he died at the age of 42.

Although he had talked of suicide, she had dismissed it because of their children.

The text referred to their “ups and downs” but went on about “how important the boys were” and about “moving forward”.

Speed’s widow said they also had an exchange of words the night before he died.

She spent the night in the car and in the morning found his body hanging in the garage at their home.

Although it was assumed Speed had committed suicide, the coroner at today’s hearing said he could not be satisfied that was the case.

Nicholas Rheinberg recorded a narrative verdict after hearing details of Speed’s final hours.

No suicide note was left and although the coroner gave the cause of death as hanging he added that “the evidence does not sufficiently determine whether this was intentional or accidental”.

Former England captain Alan Shearer, who was with Speed the day before he was found dead, said he had become aware there were personal issues but none that were unusual with any long-term relationship.

The hearing was also addressed by the Welsh national team doctor who said that Speed showed no signs of stress or depression though his mother said he was “no optimist”.

Speed, since replaced by Chris Coleman as Wales’ manager, resurrected the fortunes of Welsh football and a memorial international will be held on Feb 29 against Costa Rica, the country against whom he won the first of his 85 caps, 44 as captain.

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