England World Cup winner Nobby Stiles died of traumatic brain injury, a coroner has ruled, forcing an inquest to determine the cause of his death, a court has heard. Former Manchester United footballer and 1966 World Cup winner Styles, 78, has died from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) following a head injury.
Chris Morris, coroner for Greater Manchester South, told Stockport Coroner’s Court that brain experts had examined samples and medical records. Because of the injuries, the court decided a full autopsy was necessary. Born in Manchester in 1942, Norbert ‘Nobby’ Stiles was a tough-tackling defensive midfielder who won 28 caps for England and played nearly 400 games for Man United.
He passed away in October 2020 after a long battle with illness. His family has since campaigned for football authorities to do more to help former players deal with injuries they say were caused during their playing days.
Mr Morris told the court that, “for reasons that are not entirely clear”, Stiles’ death had not been reported to the coroner’s office at the time and the investigation was only launched after receiving information provided by the former football player’s family.
The coroner said Stiles’ brain was examined by neuropathology expert Dr. Daniel du Plessis.
After examining and reviewing Stiles’ medical records, Dr. du Plessis concluded that Stiles’ death was caused by Alzheimer’s disease.
But he also said that contributing to his death were high-stage chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and what is called “stage 3 limbic-dominant age-related TDP-43,” as well as small-vessel cerebrovascular disease.
“I am satisfied that an inquest into the sad death of Mr. Stiles is warranted, particularly given the cause of death, particularly the inclusion of trauma,” Mr Morris said.
The coroner said the full inquest will be held next Wednesday, July 15, in the same courtroom.
