Family of rugby player fear repeated head injuries may have contributed to his death

Colne: The family of Liam Canning is understandably worried that his love for rugby might have played a role in his tragic passing. He was just 34 when he was found in a wooded area in Lancashire.

At an inquest, his family shared their fears that repeated head injuries could have led to mental health struggles, including depression. Liam had left home on September 9, and his wife, Paige, mentioned he seemed fine that morning.

Later, he told his coworkers he was taking a break but never came back. A dog-walker found him in Padiham, and sadly, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

During the inquest, it was revealed that Liam’s family was concerned about the impact of his rugby career on his mental health. A neurosurgeon testified about the link between concussions and depression, highlighting that those with persistent concussion symptoms are at a higher risk.

Liam, who was born in Burnley, played rugby with great enthusiasm. His family even submitted videos of him playing to the coroner. At the time of his death, Paige was pregnant with their youngest child, who was later named Liam after his father.

He played for several clubs, including Rossendale Rugby Club and Sedgley Park. Professional player Sam Bedlow shared his own experiences with concussions, noting how easy it is for players to hide their symptoms and keep playing.

Sam mentioned that rugby has changed in recent years due to growing awareness of head injury risks. Liam’s family asked if he had reported any dizzy spells before his death, as he had mentioned feeling off. However, he hadn’t informed anyone at the club about his concerns.

Just a week before he died, his smartwatch sent an SOS alert due to a spike in his heart rate. His boss had encouraged him to seek help, but Liam hadn’t made any appointments.

The coroner concluded it was a suicide but acknowledged that Liam’s rugby injuries likely contributed to his mental health issues. He emphasized the need for increased awareness in the sport, which is enjoyed by millions worldwide.