Peter Whittingham dead: Cardiff City confirm death of former footballer, aged 35

Recently-retired footballer has succumbed to injuries suffered in an accidental fall at a pub earlier this month

Former footballer Peter Whittingham has died after suffering head injuries in a fall, aged 35.

Cardiff City confirmed that the club legend succumbed to his injuries on Thursday in an emotional statement, with the ex-footballer being treated at the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff since suffering the accidental fall at a pub in Barry on 7 March.

One of Cardiff’s most popular players among fans, the news has come as a huge shock to the Championship club, with Whittingham only announcing his retirement last summer. He leaves behind wife Amanda, who is pregnant.

A Cardiff statement issued on Thursday afternoon read: “It is with an immeasurable amount of sorrow that we must inform supporters that Peter Whittingham has passed away at the age of 35. We are heartbroken.

“The news of Peter’s sudden and untimely passing has shaken us to our very foundation. Our love goes out to his wife Amanda, their young son and family. They are at the forefront of our thoughts and, on their behalf, we ask for their privacy to be respected at this unfathomably cruel and difficult time.

“First and foremost, Peter was a family man – and somebody who could light up a room with his sense of humour, warmth and personality. Then, as a professional footballer – as a Bluebird – he excelled with talent, ease, grace and humility. Nobody did it better.

“The loss of Peter will be painfully felt by our city, supporters and indeed all who ever had the pleasure of knowing him. We love you Pete and your memory will eternally stay with us.”

The Bluebirds favourite, who also played for Aston Villa, Burnley, Derby County and Blackburn Rovers during a 17-year career, made 457 goals for Cardiff across 11 seasons – including their 2013/14 foray into the Premier League, scoring 96 goals in the process.

After emerging through the Aston Villa academy, Nuneaton-born Whittingham made his professional debut in 2003, and spent time on loan in 2005 with both Burnley and Derby before leaving Villa Park in 2007 to head to Wales.

After a decade of service to Cardiff, Whittingham joined League One side Blackburn and helped them to promotion via a second-place finish, before announcing his retirement at the end of the following season last summer.

Whittingham also made 17 appearances for England Under-21s between 2004 and 2007.

As well as winning the Championship with Cardiff in 2012/13, Whittingham was part of the side that reached the FA Cup final in 2008, only to suffer defeat against Portsmouth, and returned to Wembley four years later in the League Cup final where Cardiff lost to Liverpool.

South Wales Police issued a statement on Wednesday to provide details of the incident, which they confirmed appeared was accidental. “At around 10pm on 7 March, South Wales Police were called to a licensed premises in Barry,” the statement read.

“A 35-year-old man from Penarth suffered a head injury as a result of a fall.

“At this stage there is no evidence or suggestion of a criminal act, and it appears the injury was caused by an accidental fall.

“Enquiries are continuing into the circumstances of the incident.”