The family of a talented rugby player who was found dead have raised concerns his depression was caused by repeated head injuries while playing the sport.
Liam Canning, who worked at construction firm C&C Landscapes, had left his home in Colne on the morning of September 9 with his wife Paige saying there was “nothing out of the ordinary” about his mood.
Later that day, Liam told workmates he was going for a break, but he never returned. The 34-year-old was found in a wooded area of Padiham by a dog-walker and was pronounced dead at the scene.
An inquest, held today (January 3) at Accrington Town Hall, heard Liam’s family had raised concerns about whether his lifelong love of rugby had caused his mental health issues. A statement from consultant neurosurgeon Nicholas Park described how there is a “significant positive association between persistent concussion symptoms and clinical depression”. “There is good evidence that individuals who suffer persistent concussions are at increased risk of experiencing depression when compared to the general public,” he said.
The inquest heard Liam, who was born in Burnley, had played rugby “enthusiastically”. His family had submitted videos of him playing, and tackling, to the coroner.
Liam playing rugby for Waterloo
(Image: Liam Canning/Facebook)
Liam’s wife Paige had been pregnant with their youngest child at the time of his death. Their son, named Liam after his father, was born on November 15 last year.
Liam played as number six in the back row for Rossendale Rugby Club. He also played for Sedgley Park, Blackburn, Waterloo and Burnley and Pendle during his rugby career.
Professional rugby player Sam Bedlow, who played for Sale Sharks and is now a coach, sent a video to the inquest of Liam carrying out a particularly heavy tackle. “I’ve had the same happen to me, although not as bad as Liam’s, and I was pretty concussed after that,” Sam said.
“It’s quite easy to disguise it, as a player, and to carry on playing.”
Sam Bedlow when he played for Bristol Bears
Sam explained that, in recent years since evidence has come to light of the potential consequences of repeated head injuries, the rules and laws of rugby have changed including the parts of the body which can be tackled.
“A lot of it is about raising awareness,” he added.
Liam’s family asked if he had reported experiencing dizzy spells to Sam ahead of playing or training in the weeks before his death. He had also said to his family that his head “isn’t right”.
Sam confirmed that Liam had not informed himself or the club of any concerns about his head.
The inquest heard that, the week before Liam’s death, his smart watch had triggered an ‘SOS’ alert to his emergency contacts because his heart rate had risen. His boss at C&C Landscapes had spoken to him about seeking help but Liam had not made any appointments to see his GP.
Returning a conclusion of suicide, Assistant Coroner Richard Taylor accepted that the injuries Liam had suffered while playing rugby had been a contributory factor to his mental health issues but wasn’t able to conclude it had contributed to his death.
“Rugby is a sport that is played by millions of people worldwide and enjoyed by millions of people worldwide,” the coroner said. “Changes have to be governed worldwide and that is not something I can have any part in.
“What you wanted to get across is increased awareness and I have heard that there is more awareness.”
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