Female footie player, 20, hanged herself from her team's goalposts weeks before her birthday
A TALENTED woman footballer hanged herself from the goalposts of her home ground just weeks before her 21st birthday, an inquest heard.
Tragic Lauren Brown, 20, killed herself on Hepworth United Football Club’s pitch, where she played for the ladies team.
Police say her death is not being treated as suspicious.
Lauren, who was due to celebrate her 21st birthday later this month, was found on the football field off Far Lane, Hepworth, near Holmfirth, West Yorks, on September 28.
Last Sunday around 60 friends and team-mates gathered at the club to lay flowers, release balloons in the club’s colours and light candles in her memory.
And following her death, her club cancelled games as a mark of respect.
At the time a club spokesman described Lauren as a “lovely, sunny character” who was “bubbly around everybody”.
He said: “She was popular with the whole team and has played for us for a couple of seasons. “It has come as a complete shock.
“She is from a sporting family and her sister plays football too.”
He added that Lauren had been due to play in a cup game against Tingley Athletic on the Sunday following her death.
Lauren was studying at Huddersfield New College and was nominated by Student Engagement Manager Lee Speight, who said: “Lauren has been an active and influential part of her community.”
Lauren’s friend Laura Watts has set up a JustGiving appeal to raise money for a memorial trophy.
Laura posted on the JustGiving site: “Sadly we lost this beautiful girl from our lives. One of her passions was playing football at Hepworth football club.
“We are trying to raise as much money as possible for the club and also to buy a memorial trophy so her memory lives on throughout the years to come.”
The inquest at Bradford Coroner’s Court has been opened and adjourned to a future date.
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