A teenage rugby player died less than a day after grazing his shin during a match.
Sam Staple, 15, was found dead on Tuesday, September 24, at his grandparents’ home in Tupholme, Lincolnshire, where he lived, after feeling unwell earlier that day.
Coroner Jayne Wilkes opened the inquest into Sam’s death yesterday, Lincolnshire Live reported.
The short hearing was told he had hurt himself in a game for Lincoln RFC under-16s the previous day.
He had grazed his right shin and a first aider was required to treat the injury, the inquest heard.
He had then felt unwell the next day and was kept off school. It was assumed he was sleeping and he was checked throughout the day.
His grandmother decided to wake him up and she discovered that he was not breathing and had been sick.
Paramedics were called to the property but Sam was pronounced dead at the scene.
Sam Staple was found dead at his grandparents’ home in Lincoln after grazing his shin the previous day
Sam’s Lincoln Rugby Club U16 team mates say attending his funeral at Lincoln Crematorium
Toxicology findings from a post-mortem examination suggested that Samuel had high levels of medication in his bloodstream when he died.
The inquest has been adjourned until March 26, 2025.
Lincoln Rugby Club paid tribute to Sam. In a social media post, they wrote:
‘It is with a heavy heart and great sadness we have to let you know of the passing of a young member of our rugby family, Sam Staple.
‘Sam sadly passed away on Tuesday 24th September and will be greatly missed by all.
‘Sam was a funny, cheeky, larger than life character and was an incredibly special young man.
‘A keen supporter of Stockport County FC and Wasps, he was enthusiastic about playing rugby, and enjoying the company of his teammates, which could be seen by anyone watching him playing with a smile on his face in his final game last Sunday.’
The club and his family have established The Sam Staple Memorial Fund to create a lasting legacy in his honour.
