Coroner records verdict in Nigel Doughty inquest

The Nottingham Forest owner Nigel Doughty died from sudden adult death syndrome after collapsing while working out in his gym, an inquest was told.

West Lincolnshire coroner Paul Smith recorded a verdict of death by natural causes at the inquest in Grantham today.

Mr Doughty, 54, who was born in Newark, was found lifeless in the gym at his home in Skillington, near Grantham, on the afternoon of February 4.

An inquest was opened and adjourned to enable further tests to take place after post-mortem tests carried out shortly after his death failed to provide a definitive cause of death.

Today's resumed inquest was told Mr Doughty died as a result of sudden adult death syndrome just an hour after going to his gym.

Emergency services were called and paramedics attempted to resuscitate Mr Doughty but he was confirmed dead at the scene. Lincolnshire Police later confirmed there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death and said they believed Mr Doughty died of natural causes.

The inquest was told Mr Doughty had received regular medical checks over the previous 14 years and his last examination just seven months before his death saw his health assessed as "very satisfactory."

Pathologist Ian Scott, who carried out a post mortem at Nottingham's Queen Medical Centre, said the autopsy examination suggested Mr Doughty suffered a sudden cardiac death.

At the end of the 15-minute hearing, the coroner said he was satisfied on the evidence he had heard that there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death.

Mr Doughty's widow Lucy and his daughter Helen attended the hearing and gave the family's reaction in a statement.

It read: "Nigel's sudden and unexpected death was a huge shock to his family and the past three months have been extremely painful. We are therefore very glad that the coroner's findings have put an end to the uncertainty over the cause of death.

"This has given some comfort to us as a family and no doubt to all who knew and loved Nigel.

"Comfort has also come from the enormous amount of support and sympathy exhibited over this difficult time by family and friends. We are deeply grateful.

"It has meant a great deal to us to see how much Nigel was loved and respected. It would have meant a lot to him to.

"Given Nigel's high profile role there has been speculation about his death and it's impact beyond the family. We ask you to remember that to us Nigel was a husband, a father and a cherished family member."

Mr Doughty made his fortune through the private equity firm Doughty Hanson of which he was chief executive.

He leaves his widow, Lucy, and four children including his eldest son, Michael, 19, a midfielder for Premier League club Queens Park Rangers.