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Student and ex-Sale Sharks academy player, 20, tragically dies after being hit by a car

A promising rugby union player and student, he had just finished his second year as was set to go and study abroad in the US.

Danny Jones Danny Jones - 15th June 2023

A 20-year-old student from Manchester has tragically died after being hit by a car in Newcastle.

Liam O’Connor, a promising young rugby talent who played for the likes of Didsbury, Heaton Moor, Lancashire and Sale Sharks as an academy player, sadly passed away in the early hours of Saturday morning, 10 June, after being struck by a car in the Jesmond area of the city.

According to reports, emergency services were called to the scene after calls about a young man being hit by a silver Peugeot 308 and despite being rushed to hospital ultimately died from his injuries.

Preparing for a year abroad in San Jose, USA, Liam had just finished his second year at the University of Newcastle where he was studying maths and statistics and was also said to be considering a future in medicine. His former team issued an emotional tribute on socials upon hearing the news.

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Writing in the tribute, the club said: “Liam epitomised the spirit of Rugby Union, and always made his parents and teammates proud of his achievements.

“Everyone at Sale Sharks is completely heartbroken and our thoughts turn to Liam’s family, Joan, Mike, Sean, and Kathleen” — as do those of everyone here at The Manc.

Northumbria Police Sgt Steven Chappell said: “This is a truly devastating outcome” and assured they are committed “to getting answers” for his family, while his professor Nick Parker described him as a “popular student with a bright future ahead of him” who will be “greatly missed”.

His family have asked for privacy during this difficult time as the authorities continue their investigation.

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Featured Image — Northumbria Police/Google Maps

News

Warrington-born Adolescence star Owen Cooper becomes youngest ever male Emmy winner

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant Owen Cooper Emmys

Owen Cooper has made history.

The Warrington-born actor who burst onto the scene as a newcomer in the Netflix smash-hit drama series Adolescence, starring alongside other big names like Stephen Graham, Erin Doherty, and Ashley Walters, has become the youngest winner ever in any male acting category at last nights Emmy Awards 2025.

He took home the award for Best Supporting Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series.

At just 15 years old, Cooper beat out his fellow co-star Ashley Walters for the award, as well as other renowned actors like Javier Bardem, Peter Sarsgaard, and Rob Delaney.

Adolescence, if you haven’t had a chance to watch it yet, is a four-part limited series about a 13-year-old boy who is accused of murdering one of his classmates – with each episode remarkably being filmed in one unflinching and continuous shot.

The truly gripping story unfolds in real time as the main characters search for answers in the wake of a shocking tragedy.

Who is actually responsible? Why did it happen? And could it have been prevented? 

Adolescence
Adolescence gained universal critical acclaim when it debuted on Netflix earlier this year / Credit: Netflix

Cooper was a complete screen newcomer starring as the young boy Eddie Miller, accused of murder, and the show tells the story of how a family’s world is turned upside because of it.

Taking to the stage to accept his award last night, Cooper – who began taking weekly acting lessons with The Drama Mob here in Manchester – said: “[The win] is just so surreal. Honestly, when I started these drama classes a couple years back, I didn’t expect to be even in the United States, never mind [at The Emmys].

“So I think tonight proves that if you listen and you focus and you step out your comfort zone, you can achieve anything in life.”

Elsewhere on the night, Adolescence cleaned up as a whole.

Co-creator and star of the show, Stephen Graham, took home the Best Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series award, as well as a Writing award alongside co-writer Jack Thorne, while Erin Doherty claimed the Best Supporting Actress accolade in the same category, and director Philip Barantini won the Best Director award.

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And of course, to top off all those brilliant acting and technical wins, the show Adolescence itself also won Best Limited or Anthology Series.

You can watch Owen Cooper’s acceptance speech in full here.

Featured Image – Television Academy / Emmys (via YouTube)

News

Boxing great Ricky Hatton found dead at home, aged 46

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson Boxing great Ricky Hatton found dead at home, aged 46

Ricky Hatton has been found dead at his home in Tameside at the age of 46.

The Stockport-born boxing legend, often known as The Hitman, had just recently announced he was returning to the ring.

Ricky Hatton was set to come out of retirement for his first competitive fight in 13 long years this December.

A police cordon is around his home on Bowlacre Road in Gee Cross, Hyde.

Greater Manchester Police say his death is not being treated as suspicious.

A GMP spokesperson said: “We can confirm that we have found a body at an address on Bowlacre Road in Gee Cross at 6.45am today, Sunday, September 14. The death is not being treated as suspicious.”

Ricky Hatton was one of the sport’s best-loved boxers and one of the greatest sportspeople to come out of Greater Manchester.

Hatton, who held an MBE, had been working as a promoter and trainer since retiring from the sport.

His illustrious boxing career spanned from 1997 to 2012, during which time he held multiple world championships.

Tributes are pouring in, with boxing magazine Boxing News writing: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of British boxing royalty Ricky Hatton.

“A relentless pressure fighter and spiteful body puncher in the ring, Hatton was adored for his charisma and down-to-earth character outside of it.

“He will be sorely missed. Our thoughts are with his loved ones. Rest in peace, Ricky.”

Amir Khan posted: “Today we lost not only one of Britain’s greatest boxers, but a friend, a mentor, a warrior, Ricky Hatton.

“As fighters, we tell ourselves we’re strong — we train, we sweat, we take hits, we get up. But sometimes the hardest fight happens in silence, in the mind. Mental health isn’t weakness. It’s part of being human. And we must talk about it. We must reach out. We must lean on each other.

“Ricky, thank you for everything. For your fights, your moments of glory, your grit. Thank you for pushing us, showing us what’s possible. To everyone reading this: if you’re hurting or struggling, you are not alone. Talk. Reach out. Because we need more light, more compassion, more understanding.

“Rest well, Ricky. You’ll always have your place in the ring of our memories.”

Sacha Lord shared: “RIP Ricky Hatton. A gentle giant and absolute legend.”

Fellow pro boxer Anthony Fowler wrote: “Feel sick. RIP RICKY HATTON.”

And podcaster James English shared: “RIP Ricky Hatton.

“A true champion inside and outside the ring, Ricky’s grit, passion and courage will never be forgotten.

“Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and all who admired him during this heartbreaking time. Rest in peace, Ricky. Thank you for the memories.”

Read more: Everton are reportedly already hoping to sign Jack Grealish from Manchester City permanently

Featured image: Wikimedia Commons, Aeropixels Photography

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