FORMER Mansfield Town footballer Martin Garratt has died at the age of 34.
An inquest will be heard after Garratt, who reportedly struggled with alcohol addiction after retiring early from the game, was found dead at his home in Middlesbrough.
Garratt, who was able to play at left-back or on the left of midfield, showed great promise as a youngster. He started out at York City before joining the Stags in 2000, where he made six appearances.
He went on to play for Irish side St Patrick's Athletic, Lincoln City, Hednesford Town and, finally, in 2002, North Ferriby United.
He later moved back to his home town of Middlesbrough. He died in the house where neighbours have said he was living on October 24.
Cleveland Police said officers were called by ambulance staff to the address on Lovaine Street just before 5.30pm that evening after receiving reports that a man was 'seriously ill'.
A spokesperson told the Teeside Gazette: "Minutes later, while officers were on their way to the address, we received a further call from the ambulance service reporting that sadly the man had died.
"Following an investigation, officers deemed the man's death was not suspicious and a file is being prepared for the Coroner."
