Team GB footballer Gemma Wiseman took her own life aged 33 just days before Christmas, coroner rules
GEMMA Wiseman, the former Team GB Olympic and England team football player, took her own life, a coroner has ruled.
The 33-year-old was part of the UK’s bronze medal-winning team at the 2016 World Deaf Football Championships in Italy.
The sportswoman was found dead last year.
The keen footballer‘s body was discovered by a member of the public on December 16 in a park on the outskirts of Rackheath, Norfolk.
An inquest has now been opened into her death at the Norfolk Coroner’s Court.
Gemma had been a teaching assistant in Norwich, and was a mother to a three-year-old and married to Laura Wiseman, who had also been part of the 2016 team.
She had won other medals with England and Team GB, including a bronze at the 2013 Deaflympics in Bulgaria.
Gemma supported Norfolk FA’s first inclusive festival for girls and played for local clubs.
In a 2021 interview with Norfolk FA, Gemma said her football idol was David Beckham.
She revealed: “Girls who are not sure about playing football, you never know until you try and follow your heart.
“It’s important to have the girls look up to as role models, so they can prove them wrong and be able to play the sport that they enjoy.”
The inquest to determine the official cause of death will take place on July 29, 2024.
In 2016, footballing ace Gary Neville donated £20,000 to help the men’s and women’s deaf football teams get to the 2017 Deaflympics.
The former Manchester United and England defender made the donation in response to a tweet from GB Women’s captain Claire Stancliffe.
Wellwishers were distraught at Gemma’s death.
One said: “Our thoughts are with you Laura and Allie.
“Gemma always had such a wonderful smile and bubbly personality when we bumped in to you around Blofield.”
Another wrote: “We are so sorry to hear of your loss.
“You, Allie and family are in our thoughts. Lots of love.”
You're Not Alone
EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide
It doesn’t discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.
It’s the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.
And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.
Yet it’s rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.
That is why The Sun launched the You’re Not Alone campaign.
The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.
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If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:
- CALM, www.thecalmzone.net, 0800 585 858
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- Mind, www.mind.org.uk, 0300 123 3393
- Papyrus, www.papyrus-uk.org, 0800 068 41 41
- Samaritans,www.samaritans.org, 116 123
