Tragedy of football fan who sold a pal Hillsborough ticket

Tragedy of football fan who sold a pal Hillsborough ticket

http://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news/districtnews/districtatog/9186696.Tragedy_of_football_fan_who_sold_a_pal_Hillsborough_ticket/(via/

8:57am Wednesday 10th August 2011


A FOOTBALL fan killed himself because he never recovered from the guilt he felt from selling a ticket for the Hillsborough game to a friend, an inquest heard.

Stephen Whittle, aged 50, had suffered from anxiety and depression since the tragic match in 1989, Bolton Coroner’s Court was told.

Ninety-six Liverpool fans lost their lives at the FA Cup semi-final between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest, at Hillsborough stadium, Sheffield, on April 15.

Mr Whittle, of Elizabeth Street, Atherton, had sold a ticket for the game to a friend, who died during the incident, the coroners court was told.

He took medication for his depression and although his family knew of problems in the past, they did not know he was still affected by the tragedy.

On February 26 this year, Mr Whittle jumped in front of a train between stations in Daisy Hill, Westhoughton, and Hag Fold, Atherton.

Doctor Ashok Atrey told the court: “He sold a ticket to a friend of his who went to Hillsborough to watch the Liverpool match and unfortunately he died.

“He was offered counselling but he wasn’t keen on it.

“He said he had support and he didn’t need it.

“He was asked about suicidal thoughts and he didn’t have any.”

Police were called to the railway line near North Road in Atherton, where Mr Whittle was struck by a Northern Rail train heading to Atherton station.

Coroner Jennifer Leeming said Mr Whittle had died from multiple injuries consistent with being struck by a train.

She recorded a narrative verdict saying: “He took his own life while the balance of his mind was disturbed by his suffering from diagnosed depressive illness.”

She added: “That awful tragic event that happened so long ago is still reaching out and touching people.

“Especially for a man who was so keen on football, it was a big part of his life and to have that awful event associated with such a pleasure must have been troubling as the years went on.

“He was clearly a very private man who didn’t confide, even the good things, to his family.

“He was clearly a popular man both in work and at home.”

Mr Whittle had worked as a fabricator at PPG Industries Ltd in Hindley Green for around 20 years.

Tragic loss. RIP. JFT96

The tragedy and all it's profound implications such as this horror are as real today as ever,


           RIP Stephen 
              JFT 96
   
     

Heartbreaking. Can't even begin to understand what he was feeling all these years.
RIP Stephen.

That's awful, the poor man.

RIP Stephen.

YNWA

Looked at this for a while and contemplated not putting this reply but I think I have too....  As this is a forum with people sharing their views.
First off I want to say the subject of Hillsborough is still, and will always be sensitive.  Although I have not been directly affected by those who lost their life in 1989 - my family and friends have.  My mum’s best friend lost her husband and son.  Her other son dated my sister and my dad lost his best friend that day.
I also want to say that I cannot begin to imagine the guilt this guy must have been living with for all of these years.  To turn down therapy – I would probably do the same.  Personal guilt, through fault of your own or by a horrible tragedy like Hillsborough – I believe – is not something that can be treated easily.
But I have to put forward my disgust at the man for jumping in front of a train and causing a direct impact on the life, career and I’m presuming the confidence of the driver of that train.

Absolutely tragic and such a very sad ending to a life 

RIP Stephen.

 JFT 96.

Thats a sad story

JFT96

RIP Mr Whittle

Inquest hears how football fan killed himself after selling match ticket to friend who died at Hillsborough

A FOOTBALL fan killed himself because he never recovered from the guilt he felt from selling a ticket for the Hillsborough game to a friend, an inquest heard.

Stephen Whittle, aged 50, had suffered from anxiety and depression since the tragic match in 1989, Bolton Coroner’s Court was told.

Ninety-six Liverpool fans lost their lives at the FA Cup semi-final between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest, at Hillsborough stadium, Sheffield, on April 15.

Mr Whittle, of Elizabeth Street, Atherton, had sold a ticket for the game to a friend, who died during the incident, the coroners court was told.

He took medication for his depression and although his family knew of problems in the past, they did not know he was still affected by the tragedy.

On February 26 this year, Mr Whittle jumped in front of a train between stations in Daisy Hill, Westhoughton, and Hag Fold, Atherton.

Doctor Ashok Atrey told the court: “He sold a ticket to a friend of his who went to Hillsborough to watch the Liverpool match and unfortunately he died.

“He was offered counselling but he wasn’t keen on it.

“He said he had support and he didn’t need it.

“He was asked about suicidal thoughts and he didn’t have any.”

Police were called to the railway line near North Road in Atherton, where Mr Whittle was struck by a Northern Rail train heading to Atherton station.

Coroner Jennifer Leeming said Mr Whittle had died from multiple injuries consistent with being struck by a train.

She recorded a narrative verdict saying: “He took his own life while the balance of his mind was disturbed by his suffering from diagnosed depressive illness.”

She added: “That awful tragic event that happened so long ago is still reaching out and touching people.

“Especially for a man who was so keen on football, it was a big part of his life and to have that awful event associated with such a pleasure must have been troubling as the years went on.

“He was clearly a very private man who didn’t confide, even the good things, to his family.

“He was clearly a popular man both in work and at home.”

Mr Whittle had worked as a fabricator at PPG Industries Ltd in Hindley Green for around 20 years.

Read More http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-news/local-news/2011/08/10/inquest-hears-how-football-fan-killed-himself-after-selling-match-ticket-to-friend-who-died-at-hillsborough-100252-29214075/2/#ixzz1UdxD2E6N

Rest in Peace.

My sympathy goes to the train drive too.

Very sad.

We campaign for Justice for the 96, but we mustn't forget all the others living still with the after effects, and the numerous others who were connected to Hillsborough and have taken their own lives.

RIP. YNWA.