Troubled footballer took own life, inquest told
A YOUNG footballer posted a heartbreaking final message to his friends and family before taking his own life, an inquest has heard.
Brendon Martin Rudge – also known as Brendon Holder – was found dead on Saturday, August 4 at his home in Thomas Street, Pembroke.
The 24-year-old, who was found dead shortly after posting a message on Facebook in the early hours saying he was “sorry”, was a popular man and tributes poured in on social media after his death, with his brother describing him as a “dedicated and loving brother that was brave and adventurous”.
An inquest held yesterday in Milford Haven’s town hall heard that Mr Rudge was born in Gloucester but moved to Wales and was the youngest of three brothers.
Coroner officer Jeremy Davies told the inquest that after going to college in Llanelli, Mr Rudge worked for a haulage company in Burry Port and met his girlfriend, Jadie Gwyther, in 2016 while working as an insurance broker.
The inquest heard that Mr Rudge was having financial problems due to not having been paid for some work he had carried out, and that while he enjoyed playing football for the Carmarthen Stars, a knee injury meant he couldn’t take it further and play professionally.
Mr Davies said: “His mother passed away from cancer four years ago and he found it very hard.
“He had struggled with depression and wanted to seek help.”
Mr Rudge and his girlfriend were also having problems, Mr Davies told the inquest, but they were trying to work things out.
On the night of Saturday, August 4, Ms Gwyther was not at home when she received a phone call from a friend asking if she was with Mr Rudge as he was worried after seeing what he had posted on Facebook.
The inquest heard that when they arrived at the property in Thomas Street, they found the door was unlocked and found Mr Rudge hanged.
An ambulance was called at 0.45am and ambulance staff carried out CPR on Mr Rudge, Mr Davies said, but it was unsuccessful and he was pronounced dead shortly after.
The post-mortem examination found alcohol, cannabis and cocaine in Mr Rudge’s system, but the report found the death was caused by natural causes due to hanging.
The Facebook post Mr Rudge shared in the early hours of Saturday said: “Sorry for anyone I hurt. Please don’t think I’m selfish. I wasn’t the best of sons and friend. I am sorry see you all soon . . . can’t wait to see you Mum. Sorry for who I hurt. Bye guys.”
A few minutes later he posted a picture of his mother with him as a baby.
At the time of his death, Mr Rudge’s brother, Jamie, paid tribute by saying: “Brendon touched the lives of many and he will be dearly missed by everyone.”
Tributes also poured in on social media once news of his death was confirmed.
One friend said Mr Holder “dazzled people with his looks, his skills and more importantly his personality”.
Another called the news “unbelievably tragic”, while one person said: “If only you knew how many people cared and loved you. I’m going to miss that cheeky smile every day.”
Carmarthen Stars cancelled two games scheduled for the weekend after hearing of his death.
They posted the following message on Facebook: “Devastated to lose such a really nice guy and a talented player who scored a number of goals for the club and helped the seconds with promotion.
“Both firsts and seconds games were called off today. Thoughts are with all those who are close to him. You will be missed by all at the club. Brendon Holder RIP.”
A football tournament was held in his memory in August, and it is hoped it will take place every year.
Recording a verdict of suicide, senior coroner for Pembrokeshire and Carmar-thenshire Mark Layton said that Mr Rudge had a number of personal issues that were troubling him. He said Mr Rudge was also affected by his mother’s death. ■ The Samaritans can be contacted for free 24/7 on 116 123.