Ex-Oxford United and West Ham football star Joey Beauchamp, 50, who battled drink and depression after retirement was found hanged at his home, inquest hears
- The 50-year-old ex-Oxford United ace was found dead in Kidlington last month
- Beauchamp’s death was verified by a police constable at 1.57pm on February 19
- The left midfielder was described by many as the club’s greatest ever footballer
- He battled depression after retiring and previously said he’d considered suicide
- For confidential support, call the Samaritans on 116123, or visit their local branch
Former footballer Joey Beauchamp was found hanged at his home, an inquest has heard.
The 50-year-old former Oxford United ace was found dead in Kidlington, Oxfordshire, last month.
His death was verified by a police constable at 1.57pm on February 19 and his body was later identified by his brother.
The left midfielder was described by many as the club’s greatest ever player but he battled drink and depression after retiring.
Opening an inquest on Thursday into his death, senior coroner for Oxfordshire Darren Salter said the case was a ‘sad’ one.
His death was given as hanging, following a post-mortem, with a full inquest to take place on May 17.
His death was verified by a police constable at 1.57pm on February 19 and his body was later identified by his brother. Pictured: The footballer in his playing days
Beauchamp is 10th in Oxford United’s appearances table with 428 games and fifth in the all-time Oxford goalscoring chart with 77 goals.
The talented winger joined West Ham from Oxford for £1million in 1994, but never played a game for the Hammers as was homesick.
West Ham sold him to Oxford’s rivals Swindon for £850,000 but after 49 appearances for the Robins, Beauchamp returned to the Manor Ground.
The footballer struggled with life after he retired, in which he battle drink and depression for 20 months in 2010.
He also admitted that year that he had considered killing himself, adding: ‘I gave up all hope.’
He told the Oxford Mail: ‘I had a beautiful wife and a newborn daughter, but nothing mattered to me.’
He added: ‘I was drinking all day, every day and hated what I was doing.’
After his death last month, Mr Beauchamp’s former clubs, teammates and fans paid tribute to the winger.
Flags were flown at half mast at the Kassam Stadium last Saturday before Oxford’s clash with Cambridge United.
The winger’s daughters led players from both sides onto the pitch to lay wreaths behind the goal.
Players and staff also wore t-shirts adorned with his face as fans unveiled a tribute in the Jim Smith Stand. This was followed by a minute’s applause.
Former teammate Ross Weatherstone described him as Oxford United’s greatest player.
Another former teammate, Jamie Cook, added: ‘My hero growing up, and a huge honour to play alongside him. RIP Joey.’
Oxford United boss Karl Robinson said Mr Beauchamp would be ‘mentioned’ in his team talk.
He said: ‘I think the players understand the importance he has to this football club. There’s also a game to play, but this can be a motivating factor.’
Mr Robinson also invited Mr Beauchamp’s daughters to join a lap of honour at full-time on Saturday.
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