Inquest held into death of former footballer

Buy photos » Former Evesham United footballer Neil Emms killed himself in his car, an inquest heard. (s)

A FORMER Evesham United footballer killed himself after suffering problems in his personal life, an inquest has heard.

Neil Emms, 47, was found dead in his car at a car park in Worcester Road, Evesham, on November 16.

The inquest at Worcestershire Coroners Court yesterday (Thursday) revealed Mr Emms died of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Deputy Coroner Marguerite Elcock said half a bottle of tablets was also found in the vehicle.

Mr Emms, who played for the Robins in the 1980s and 1990s, had made previous attempts to end his life after becoming unemployed and had been sleeping at a friends house prior to his death.

The inquest also heard how Mr Emms' drinking levels had increased and was involved in a relationship breakdown in the months before he took his own life.

A well-known face in the town and keen football fan, Mr Emms played for Evesham United Old Boys against a Manchester United Legends team in July last year to officially open the club's new Spiers and Hartwell Jubilee Stadium.

In November hundreds of tributes were paid to Mr Emms and a minutes silence was held for him in Evesham United's following home league match against Wimborne Town.

The deputy coroner ruled that Mr Emms had killed himself.

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