Gary Speed May Have Killed Self Accidentally: Coroner

In a file picture taken on March 26, 2011 manager of Wales Gary Speed waits for kick off against England during a Euro 2012 Group G qualifying football match at the Millenium Stadium, Cardiff, Wales. A coroner ruled on Monday that Wales manager Gary Speed may have killed himself accidentally. — PHOTO: AP

WARRINGTON, England (AP) – A coroner ruled on Monday that Wales manager Gary Speed may have killed himself accidentally.

In an inquest at Warrington Coroner’s Court, coroner Nicholas Rheinberg said Speed died of hanging but that there was insufficient evidence to prove that he had committed suicide.

Speed’s body was found by his wife on Nov 27 at their home. ‘The evidence does not sufficiently determine whether this was intentional or accidental,’ Mr Rheinberg said, adding that Speed could have fallen asleep with the cable around his neck while sitting on stairs in his garage.

‘It seems likely that Mr. Speed was sitting for some time with a ligature around his neck. It may have been that this was some sort of dramatic gesture, not normally in Mr Speed’s character, but nonetheless, a possibility.’

Straits Times