Malcolm Alker played for Salford Red Devils for nearly two decades but tragically died aged 45
The troubles and early death of former Salford Red Devils captain Malcolm Alker were down to a brain injury suffered during his playing career, his father told an inquest.
Yesterday , at an inquest at Bolton Coroners' Court into his death, his father, Malcolm Alker Snr, pointed to head injuries he suffered during his play days as the cause of his son's troubles. The former rugby star's behaviour became 'out of character', his demeanour changed and he ended up in trouble with the police, Mr Alker Snr confirmed. His 'coping mechanism' was alcohol, the court heard.
"I just think he was slipping further and further because of his brain problems," said Mr Alker, who agreed his son felt increasingly 'frustrated'. Melanie Morbe, a mental health nurse based in Wigan of Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, gave the inquest an overview of the treatment received by Mr Alker Jnr, although she never treated him personally. He had taken four overdoses in the 12 months up to January 2017 following the breakdown of his marriage and the end of his career, the court heard. He told nurses he felt 'angry' at times although there was no suggestion he was a risk to others.
Police were called after concerns Pathologist Dr Ravindra Sawant said it had been reported that Mr Alker was under treatment for Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, a progressive degenerative disease affecting people who have suffered repeated concussions and traumatic brain injuries. He told the court there had been research suggesting a link between the disease and sport-related head injuries.
Coroner Michael Pemberton noted the last time Mr Halker had sought help with mental health difficulties was in July 2020 and said he had not heard sufficient evidence to return a suicide verdict. Recording a long narrative conclusion, Mr Pemberton said Mr Halker had died of multiple organ failure which 'on the balance of probabilities' was down to 'combined drug toxicity'.
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Ince Bolton Mental Health Salford Red Devils Rugby League
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