Twitter (http://twitter.com/#!/search/gary%20speed)

Sholy Hit, he was younger than me. That just ain't right.....


EDIT:- First report I have seen says "no suspicious circumstances" but there is no way that it can be called "natural causes" as there s nothing "natural" about hanging yourself. A terrible waste and a terrible way to go.........

Early erports suggest he may have taken his own life - very sad indeed

Just very tragic. Words are not enough at a time like this.

http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2010/0115/garyspeedeverton20100115_275x155.jpg

:(

Yes, tragic is the word. Such a shock to read it.

I've just read that he suffered from depression.
That is so sad.

Very shocked and saddened to hear this news today. He always seemed so chipper and upbeat on the TV.

Those with depression can easily seem happy when stimulated by others.

It's when you are alone (or with whatever demon troubles you) that times seem unbearable.

RIP

Never supported any club he played for but he had a decent reputation and perhaps the demons of depression oft ignored should be looked at more closely.

Some people will never be helped which is another sad statistic.

It's time to say good-bye too soon.

Vios con dios, Gary.

Whilst it's tragic that anybody takes his/her own life in the major scheme of things he wasn't very important.
You don't see many headlines when a policeman/nurse/firefighter is driven to it.

It's scary how... normal he looks in other photos. Recent ones even. This comment from Michael Owen really got to me.

“Just cannot believe the news regarding Gary Speed. We waved at each other a couple of days ago dropping our kids off at school. I’m numb.”

How many people do I pass by with dark thoughts going through their head?

Whilst it's tragic that anybody takes his/her own life in the major scheme of things he wasn't very important.

While I understand your sentiment, Lon, that he may not have been important given world peace, hunger, poverty and the economy, he did brighten up the lives of a large number of people and his passing makes them sad, and makes them want to pay tribute on a public forum. Nowt wrong with that, eh?

I have to agree with Lonmore. I do not understand why Speed's death, while tragic for family, friends and fans, has to make front page news in the press and a lengthy dedicated spot on TV.

I have to agree with Lonmore. I do not understand why Speed's death, while tragic for family, friends and fans, has to make front page news in the press and a lengthy dedicated spot on TV.

I agree with a previous poster, why is a hanging not considered as suspicious? It's not every day you come home and find a loved one dangling from a rope.

I think the Press sense there is something more to this.

To answer Lon & Gannet. A man who distinguishes himself over more than two decades not only in the public eye, but in the national sport, whether you may be fans of it or not, is worthy of having his sad passing noted by the nation.

The implication of Lon's post in particular is that it's wrong to view Speed as somehow more worthy than a Fireman or a nurse. I don't see any relevance in that argument at all, but he was someone who had risen to the top of his profession and I think what is further being implied is the weary they're all prima-donnas on thousands a week routine that we've all heard a thousand times.

A well regarded man died in at the very least, sad circumstances well before his time & people wish to mark it. That is all there is to it.

If it gets the subject of depression and suicide into the press, then IMO the coverage serves a good purpose. Too many men suffer without help because it's seen as a girls disease, a sign of weakness or just 'being silly.' If it becomes apparent that even jovial and successful footballers can suffer, maybe a few more young blokes will feel strong enough to seek help before they get to the worst stage, without fear of being seen as a wuss or a failure holding them back. :(

beyondblue: the national depression initiative (http://www.beyondblue.org.au/index.aspx?)
Useful people. I'm sure you have a local equivalent.

If it gets the subject of depression and suicide into the press, then IMO the coverage serves a good purpose. Too many men suffer without help because it's seen as a girls disease, a sign of weakness or just 'being silly.' If it becomes apparent that even jovial and successful footballers can suffer, maybe a few more young blokes will feel strong enough to seek help before they get to the worst stage, without fear of being seen as a wuss or a failure holding them back.

Here here. :)

Those desperate minutes before this biggest killer of young men takes hold, are sometimes predictable, and usually, preventable.

Each loss like this is like a kick in the teeth.

I'm rather surprised that no one has considered that it may have been an accident. Google 'AEU' and any of the following people:

Stephen Milligan MP
David Carradine
Vaughn Bode

Paramedics will tell you that it is a lot more common than is reported. Its often recorded as suicide for the 'benefit' of the family.