A coroner's court in Ruthin, North Wales, has heard that former Liverpool women's manager Matt Beard was discovered hanged at his residence in Deeside, Flintshire.
The 47-year-old suffered what coroner John Gittins described as a "devastating brain injury" following the incident.
Emergency services transported Beard to the Countess of Chester hospital after paramedics responded to his home. He passed away there on 20 September at 9:15pm.
The hearing revealed that Beard had experienced an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.
Coroner John Griffiths has scheduled a comprehensive inquest for a future date to determine the precise circumstances surrounding the death.
The football community has united in grief following Beard's death. Manchester United manager Marc Skinner called him an "icon", whilst England legend Fara Williams described him as "one of a kind and had the purest of souls".
Journalist Jacqui Oatley established a fundraising campaign to assist Beard's family, which has generated over £50,000.
Former Chelsea manager Emma Hayes praised him as a "champion of the women's game" and "one of the best humans".
Beard's son Harry shared emotional messages on social media, posting photographs with the words: "Love you dad, 78-25. Always will miss you.
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"Never failed to make me laugh, even when having a bad day, he always used to say, 'I bet I can make you smile' and he always did.
"Suicide is never the answer, reach out. Call 111, or 999. Please don't take your own life, we all miss you dad."
All WSL and WSL2 fixtures observed a minute's silence on September 21. Liverpool's scheduled match against Aston Villa was postponed as a mark of respect.
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A commemorative service celebrating Beard's life will take place at Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral on October 17. The family has requested donations be made to mental health charities.
Beard achieved remarkable success during his 17-year career in women's football management.
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His greatest triumphs came at Liverpool, where he secured consecutive Women's Super League championships in 2013 and 2014.
After managing several clubs including Chelsea, Millwall, West Ham United and Bristol City, Beard spent time in America with Boston Breakers.
He returned to Liverpool in 2021, guiding them to promotion in his first season back and achieving a fourth-place finish the following year.
His tenure ended with dismissal in February this year. Beard's final managerial position was at Burnley, though he departed after just two months in August.
Anyone who is in emotional distress, struggling to cope or at risk of suicide can call the Samaritans anonymously for free from a UK phone on 116 123 or go to samaritans.org.
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