Ex-Premier League star dies aged just 35 from head injury in pub fall
David Pilditch
FORMER Premier League footballer Peter Whittingham died yesterday, aged just 35.
The ex-Cardiff City and Aston Villa midfielder had been fighting for his life since suffering head injuries in a fall at a pub earlier this month.
His wife Amanda, who is expecting the couple’s second child, had been at his bedside since the accident in Barry, South Wales, on March 7.
Whittingham, who played for England at Under 21 level, had been on life support for 12 days, but the machine was switched off after doctors said there was no hope of him regaining consciousness.
Whittingham had been out with friends in the seaside town watching the Six Nations rugby clash between England and Wales when tragedy struck. He is believed to have fallen down a flight of stairs.
Favourite
He started his career at Villa before joining Cardiff in 2007.
During 10 years in Wales he established himself as a fans’ favourite, helping Cardiff to reach the 2008 FA Cup final and win promotion to the Premier League in 2013.
He made 459 appearances for the Bluebirds and scored 98 goals before going on to end his career at Blackburn Rovers.
Announcing Whittingham’s death, Cardiff City said: “The news of Peter’s sudden and untimely passing has shaken us to our very foundation. Our love goes out to his wife Amanda, their young son and family.”
The club added: “First and foremost, Peter was a family man and somebody who could light up a room with his sense of humour, warmth and personality.
“Then, as a professional footballer – as a Bluebird – he excelled with talent, ease, grace and humility. Nobody did it better.
“The loss of Peter will be painfully felt by our city, supporters and indeed all who ever had the pleasure of knowing him.”
Since retiring from the game in 2018 Whittingham had run a property development business with Amanda, with whom he had a young son, from their home in theVale of Glamorgan.
Last night Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer – Whittingham’s former boss at Cardiff – paid tribute to the Nuneaton-born midfielder saying he was “deeply
saddened” by the tragedy. He added: “Peter was a fantastic footballer and an incredible human being.
“It’s hard to believe that he has been taken from us at such a young age.
“Peter will be deeply missed and our thoughts are with his family at this very sad time.”
Former Cardiff player Michael Chopra wrote on Twitter: “Devastated to have lost an old team-mate. Had some great memories on and off the pitch with you.
“Football has lost a great guy and player. Gone too soon. Deepest condolences to your family. RIP Whitts.”