Sir Bobby Charlton died after accidental fall at care home, inquest hears

November 01, 2023

Sir Bobby Charlton died after an accidental fall at a care home, an inquest has heard.

The Manchester United legend and England World Cup winner died aged 86 on 21 October.

Sir Bobby suffered rib fractures as he stood up and fell against a window sill at The Willows care home in Mobberley, Cheshire, on 16 October, the hearing at Warrington Coroner's Court was told on Wednesday.

After the fall he "continued to mobilise as usual" until it was noted that he had swelling to his back.

He was transported to Macclesfield District General Hospital where he died five days later, after receiving "end-of-life care".

The causes of death were given as "traumatic hemopneumothorax, a fall and Alzheimer's dementia".

Coroner Jacqueline Devonish concluded his death was accidental, a record of inquest obtained by the PA news agency shows.

Manchester United confirmed a memorial service celebrating Sir Bobby's life will take place at Manchester Cathedral on 13 November.

The procession to the service will pass by the club's stadium Old Trafford, where he is immortalised alongside Denis Law and George Best in the United Trinity statue.

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Manchester United said in a statement: "The service will pay tribute to Sir Bobby's incredible life as a husband, father, grandfather and, of course, as one of the finest footballers this country has ever produced.

"The procession to the cathedral will pass by Old Trafford for a moment of reflection and provide an opportunity for fans to say a final farewell to a true Manchester United legend.

"Further details on the memorial service and the procession will be communicated in due course.

"The family will then hold a private funeral ceremony for Sir Bobby and have requested privacy around the arrangements for this."

Charlton's death convened an outpouring of tributes from footballers, fans and clubs worldwide.

Sir Geoff Hurst, who played alongside Sir Bobby in England's winning 1966 World Cup team, called him "a great colleague and friend" who will be "sorely missed".

As well as scoring 49 goals for his country, Sir Bobby achieved legendary status at Manchester United, where he made 758 appearances and scored 249 goals.

Charlton was diagnosed with dementia in November 2020 - the same disease that afflicted his brother Jack who died in 2020 at the age of 85, and another World Cup winner, Nobby Stiles.

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