Former professional footballer Martin Garratt found dead aged 34
The athlete was passed away at his home in Middlesbrough on 24 October
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.An inquest into the death of Martin Garratt, a former professional footballer who reportedly struggled with alcohol addiction after retiring from the game prematurely, is set to be heard.
The athlete, who was just 34, was found dead at his home in Middlesbrough on 24 October.
Police were called to the address on Lovaine Street just before 5.30pm on the Friday evening after ambulance staff reported a 34-year-old man who had been taken “seriously ill”.
“Minutes later, while officers were on their way to the address, we received a further call from the ambulance service reporting that sadly the man had died,” a Cleveland Police spokesperson told the Teeside Gazette.
“Following an investigation, officers deemed the man’s death was not suspicious and a file is being prepared for the Coroner.”
Garratt first joined York City as part of the youth team in 1995, before turning professional in 1998.
He trained with Leeds United after the end of the season in 1999, but signed with Mansfield Town in 2000 after being sacked from York City due to personal problems.
He went on to enjoy careers at Lincoln City, Hednesford Town, North Ferriby United and Irish team St Patrick’s Athletic.
However, towards the end of his young career and after he returned to Middlesbrough, he reportedly started to experience issues with alcoholism.
He was banned from various venues in York after being given an Antisocial Behaviour Order in 2010.
Sophie McGill, who worked Garratt as the public relations officer of his former club York City in 1999, said:
“He was a very talented footballer with a lot of potential and promise.
“We are very saddened to hear this has happened, and to somebody so young.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments