Sir Bobby Charlton died after tragic accident as cause of death confirmed

01 November 2023 , 12:17

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Sir Bobby Charlton passed away last month (Image: Manchester United via Getty Images)

Sir Bobby Charlton tragically passed away following an accidental fall at a care home.

The Manchester United legend died aged 86 last month following a battle with dementia. He is regarded as one of English football's greatest ever players after winning the World Cup, European Cup, Ballon d'Or and three league titles, among other honours.

An inquest was held on Wednesday to distinguish Charlton's cause of death. The England hero suffered an accidental fall at the Willows care home in Knutsford and was declared dead at Macclesfield General Hospital on Saturday, October 21 - the court heard.

The inquest heard that Charlton lost his balance as he stood up from his chair and hit a windowsill. He may have also struck a radiator during the fall. Staff at the Willows performed a full body check after the fall and didn't find any visible injuries.

According to the inquest, Charlton was taken to hospital after staff noticed swelling on his back. Tests confirmed that he had fractured his ribs in the fall and was put on end-of-life care amid fears of developing pneumonia. He sadly passed away five days later.

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Charlton's full cause of death was given as trauma in the lungs (traumatic haemopneumothorax), a fall and dementia. Senior coroner Jacqueline Devonish ruled his death as accidental. The inquest took place at Cheshire's Coroner Court in Warrington.

Charlton had previously been hospitalised for appendix removal, gout and chest infections. He also contracted Covid in September. He had one-to-one support from staff at his care home because he 'needed support with all aspects of daily living', the court heard.

According to the inquest, Charlton's bed was located close as close to the ground as possible, with crash mats and motion sensors around it. This precautionary measure was taken because of his restlessness, which left him vulnerable to rolling out of bed.

Tributes have poured in for Charlton since his death (Robbie Jay Barratt/Getty Images)

News of Charlton's passing was made public on October 21. He was survived by his wife, Lady Norma. "It is with great sadness that we share the news that Sir Bobby passed peacefully in the early hours of Saturday morning," read a statement from Charlton's family.

"He was surrounded by his family. His family would like to pass on their thanks to everyone who has contributed to his care and for the many people who have loved and supported him. We would request that the family’s privacy be respected at this time."

A celebration of Charlton's life and career will take place at Manchester Cathedral on Monday, November 13. Thousands of fans are expected to line the streets to pay tribute to the late hero, with a private ceremony taking place inside the cathedral.

United also issued a statement after Charlton's death. It read: "Manchester United is in mourning following the passing of Sir Bobby Charlton, one of the greatest and most beloved players in the history of our club. Sir Bobby was a hero to millions, not just in Manchester, or the United Kingdom, but wherever football is played around the world.

Charlton and his brother Jack, who passed away in 2020, won the World Cup together in 1966 (Getty Images)

"He was admired as much for his sportsmanship and integrity as he was for his outstanding qualities as a footballer; Sir Bobby will always be remembered as a giant of the game... the club's heartfelt sympathies are with his wife Lady Norma, his daughters and grandchildren, and all who loved him."

Countless people have paid tribute to Charlton since his passing, including David Beckham. "I probably don't have to tell this room how special Sir Bobby was to the world of football," said Beckham at Monday's Ballon d'Or ceremony in Paris.

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"He was respected on the field for what he won but was respected even more off the field for what he stood for. He will be missed. When we looked up into the stands he would always be there cheering us on. He started it off for me.

"If it was not for Sir Bobby turning around to Manchester United and saying 'watch this young man', I probably would not have played for Manchester United. I owe him everything."

Tom Blow