An inquest heard that the death of a British rugby league player who was discovered ‘unresponsive’ on the floor of his hotel room in Italy was likely caused by a heart attack brought on by drugs.
Ricky Bibey, a former athlete, was found by Italian officials at the Hotel Continentale in Florence in the early hours of July 16.
According to information given at the coroners court yesterday, he had left for Italy on July 15 with his girlfriend Jennie Platt, 43, of Rochdale.
She was discovered next to him and had to be rushed to a hospital in Careggi to get treatment for critical wounds, according to reports.
The findings of the post-mortem performed in Italy have not yet been received, the court was informed, and a post-mortem has not yet shown a medical cause of death.
According to testimony given in court, Italian officials informed Bibey’s father that his son had had “respiratory arrest” that was “probably drug-related.”
Bibey, who was 6 feet 3 inches and weighed 17 stone, reportedly used cocaine and alcohol, which together led to his demise.
The event is being looked into by Greater Manchester Police, according to the inquest.
The inquiry was postponed by assistant coroner Matthew Cox, and a formal inquest into Bibey’s death will take place at a later time.
Former rugby league prop Bibey won the Challenge Cup twice in his career, first with Wigan Warriors in 2002 and then with St Helens, their bitter rivals, in 2004.
In addition, he spent three seasons playing for Leigh Centurions and represented Wakefield Trinity in the sport’s premier league.
He was a self-employed window cleaner who lived and worked in Oldham, Greater Manchester, at the time of his death.
He allegedly beat up his British girlfriend in a drunken fury before passing away from a heart attack in a hotel room in Italy.
They are said to have returned to the £350 per night four-star hotel when Bibey, who was 6 ft 3 in and weighed 17 stone, assaulted the lady.
Jennie Platt, a successful estate agent, was allegedly brutally battered before being taken to the hospital, where she had three procedures.
Because of the severity of her injuries, prosecutors looking into the attack had to wait more than a week to speak with Jennie and get her account of what happened.
Ricky was a typical no-nonsense prop forward, according to teammate and current Leigh Centurions player welfare manager Ste Maden, who spoke after his passing.
He was a lovely guy, the spirit and soul of the party, and a superb player to play with.
“Ricky scared no one on a rugby field, always put in the long hours when it was necessary, and never shied away from a task.”
He had everyone’s back and gave it his best on the field, which is why he was so well-liked by his teammates.
He had a lot of potential and was a good football player.
Derek Beaumont, the owner of the Leigh Centurions, described Ricky Bibey as “a huge person with a great heart.”