Family of rugby player fear repeated head injuries may have contributed to his death

The family of a rugby player raised fears that his love of the game could have contributed to his untimely death.

Liam Canning died aged 34 after being found in a wooded area in Lancashire. At an inquest into his death, his family told of their concern that he may have suffered depression as a result of repeated head injuries while playing the sport.

Lancs Live reports that Liam, who worked for a construction firm, 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. He 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'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