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Rugby Star Dies After Alleged Turkey Assault
11 Aug
Summary
- Rugby player suffered fatal head injuries during holiday.
- Alleged assault occurred in Turkey, player died at home.
- Inquest is underway to investigate the unnatural death.
A rugby player from Maesteg, Bridgend county, passed away on July 26th following a holiday incident in Turkey. James, 34, sustained severe head and brain injuries, with a provisional cause of death listed as blunt head injury. The incident occurred on July 5th during a verbal exchange where he reportedly fell and hit his head.
He was repatriated to the UK and received care at the Royal Glamorgan Hospital in Llantrisant. An inquest has been opened into his death, as there is reason to suspect it may have been unnatural. The coroner noted that Turkish authorities are understood to be investigating the death, with assistance from the Foreign Office.
Further inquest hearings will be scheduled later this year, potentially pending the outcome of the Turkish investigation. James' family has paid tribute to him as a 'loving father, son, grandson and partner' with a 'warm heart' and 'great sense of humour'. His former club, Maesteg Celtic RFC, also expressed devastation at his loss.
