Inquest opens into death of former Mansfield Town captain

The late Lee Collins in his Mansfield Town days.

The 32-year-old, who was the captain of Yeovil Town FC, was discovered at the Lanes Hotel in West Coker, near Yeovil on 31st March and Avon and Somerset Police said his ' 'sudden' death was not being treated as suspicious.

The inquest was opened and adjourned by Tony Williams, the senior coroner for Somerset, during the hearing in Taunton.

In a statement read to the court, coroner's officer Ben Batley said Mr Collins, from Newport, Gwent, was confirmed dead at the hotel.

“Lee was a professional footballer with Yeovil Town Football Club,” said Mr Batley.

“It was identified that when Lee did not attend for training on March 31st enquiries were made at the hotel where he was staying, and he was found in his room.”

The coroner resolved it will be necessary for further statements and reports to be obtained in respect of the circumstances of Lee's death and the inquest was adjourned to an internal case management review on or before 7th July.

SHOCK AS EX-STAG COLLINS IS FOUND DEAD AT 32

RADFORDS PAY TRIBUTE TO LEE COLLINS

The defender began his career at Wolves and also had spells with Hereford, Port Vale, Barnsley, Shrewsbury, Northampton, Mansfield and Forest Green.

Stags owner John Radford last week described Collins as a 'battling braveheart' on the field and 'gentleman' off it.

Yeovil boss Darren Sarll said: “Nothing in life can prepare you for what has happened in the last week.

“The sadness that has consumed all of us at Huish Park has been overwhelming – each of us attempting to cope in our own different ways.

“In the depths of this darkness, though, I think is it important to acknowledge just how many people have messaged, called and paid their respects to the man we called captain.

“On behalf of all the players and the management team we cannot thank you enough.

“The support and love you have offered, once again, demonstrates the power of football and the family it creates.”

Former Port Vale team-mate Tom Pope said: “Lee was a tough, fit, excellent footballer. The enforcer for us, really. The organiser.

“He was the heartbeat of our dressing room.

"I am absolutely devastated and my heart goes out to Lee's family, friends and team-mates at this time.”

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