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Matt Beard’s cause of death has been announced, with the coroner's court confirming the former Liverpool Women’s coach was found hanged at his home.
According to BBC News, paramedics were called to his home in North Wales before he was rushed to hospital on Saturday September 20. Beard later passed away at 21:15 BST, revealed coroner John Griffiths. The hearing has been adjourned, and a full inquest will take place at a later date.
The world of soccer is still in shock following the devastating news. Tributes have been paid from across the sport, with Arne Slot referencing Beard’s passing before answering questions following the 2-1 win over Southampton last week.
Beard led Liverpool Women’s to consecutive WSL titles in 2013 and 2014, enjoyed two spells with the club, and also coached Chelsea and West Ham United.
“Matt was not only an extremely committed and successful manager, he was also a person of real integrity and warmth, who will always be remembered with genuine fondness by everyone he worked with at the club,” Liverpool said in a statement after news of his first death first broke.
His last spell at Liverpool ended in February, and the game against Aston Villa, which was originally scheduled for the day after Beard’s death, was postponed as a sign of respect.
A moment of silence preceded Liverpool Women’s first match since the tragic news, coming on Wednesday, in a League Cup win over Sunderland.
A Just Giving page organized to provide funds to Beard’s family to cover funeral costs has amassed over £54,000 ($72,000).
Beard was mentioned by England goalkeeper Hannah Hampton after receiving the Yashin Trophy at the Ballon d’Or last week, while captain Grace Fisk paid her respects before the match against Sunderland.
“Hearing about the loss of Beardy was devastating news and something that we could never have imagined,” she said.
“He held a special place in all of our hearts and was different to any other manager I’ve worked under.
“He treated us like family and we treated him like family. I’ve known him for many years and he’s pretty much the reason why I am where I am today.
“He was the reason I went to West Ham and the reason why I came to Liverpool, so he’s pretty much carved out my whole career. You only needed one or two conversations with the man and he had you, completely invested and trusting of what he said.
“His character and warmth was the best part of who he was, and you knew when you signed for him he was always going to look after you.”
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