Ex-Bristol starlet who died of overdose saw life spiral after breaking leg

A talented teenage footballer who was scouted by Liverpool has had his life spiral out of control after breaking his leg. Wayne Briggs, who played youth football for Bristol City, saw his promising career dashed by a broken leg as a youngster.

An inquest heard after this the “smart” teenager’s life was blighted by alcohol and drugs, the coroner was told “drinking was a challenge throughout his adult life”.

Wayne, from Bristol, ended up living in a tent near Penzance after moving to Cornwall after spending time in prison following violent incidents with the police. In May last year he wanted “a big session before going into rehab” but was found in a filthy flat in Penzance after drinking and taking drugs with three other people.

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An autopsy found the 44-year-old died of pregabalin toxicity after taking a large overdose of what he believed to be street valium. There were no suspicious circumstances.

The Truro inquest heard his life went downhill after he broke his leg aged just 15, ending his football career. His sister Emma Bedford said Wayne was playing for Bristol City and was being scouted by Liverpool when he was seriously injured.

Cornwall Assistant Coroner Emma Hillson recorded a finding of drug-related death and said it was an accidental overdose.