Young footballer hangs himself after a back injury ended his dream of playing

Young footballer hangs himself after a back injury ended his dream of playing

August 16, 2019

A talented young footballer who once had trials with Manchester United killed himself after suffering a series of long-term injuries, an inquest heard.

Joel Darlington, 20, was considered a star of the future, representing Wales at youth level and breaking through into Bala Town’s Welsh Premier League side.

But a back injury and other problems left him suffering from anxiety and he dropped out of college courses which he had hoped would set him on a career as a fitness instructor.

The 20-year-old was found hanged in the family garage in Gellifor, near Ruthin, on March 18 and he left several notes indicating that he intended taking his own life.

At a hearing in Ruthin John Gittins, senior coroner for North Wales East and Central recorded a conclusion of suicide.

Sponsored by Zergnet