The 43-year-old passed away in March
An inquest has concluded that the death of former Shrewsbury Town midfielder Steve Jagielka was drug-related.
The 43-year-old, the older brother of former England defender Phil, passed away in March. He was found at his home in Telford by a cousin who was helping him move back to the Manchester area, where he was originally from prior to embarking on his professional football career.
The inquest heard how the father-of-three had drugs in his system, with a pathologist stating the cause of his death was aspiration pneumonia due to methadone toxicity.
Coroner John Ellery gave a conclusion of drug-related death and added there was no evidence of suicide.
Miss Jo Fallows, Jagielka's ex-wife, paid tribute to him: "Steve had a lasting and positive impact on many people's lives," she said. "This is how I would like him to be remembered, as a fun-loving and charming character.
"He will be very missed by his three children, myself and all of his family and friends. Rest in peace, Steve."
Later speaking to the
Shropshire Star, Miss Fallows was asked if Jagielka had struggled after retiring from professional football.
"I think so," she said. "That was his passion. It was all he had ever known. With his brother still playing, he wanted to be out there doing the same thing.
"He was a big character everywhere he went. He had his own plumbing business as well.
"I think the [Professional Footballers' Association] should be helping them a bit more."
Jagielka made over 200 appearances for Shrewsbury across six seasons, leaving in 2003. Like his brother, he also signed for Sheffield United. He went on to spend two seasons with Accrington Stanley.
