Italian police investigating death of ex-Wigan Warriors and Wakefield Trinity prop Ricky Bibey as partner seriously injured

Wakefield Trinity yesterday confirmed that a former player had sadly died at the age of just 40 years old.

Ricky Bibey played for the then Wildcats from 2007-09 making 60 appearances helping Trinity to their joint best Super League finish in 2009 as John Kear led them to fifth in the table.

Wakefield released a statement on the sad situation yesterday.

They said: “Trinity are saddened to hear of the passing of former prop-forward Ricky Bibey, aged 40.

“Ricky played for Trinity between 2007 and 2009, making 60 appearances.

“We send our condolences to Ricky’s family and friends at this tough time.”

Ricky will also be remembered by Wigan, Leigh, Oldham and St Helens.

However, Italian police are said to be investigating the death, with a Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) spokesperson telling the Manchester Evening News: “We are in touch with the Italian police following the death of a British man in Florence.”

Bibey was on holiday in Florence with his partner found at the four-star Hotel Continentale in Florence on Saturday morning.

The woman is being treated at the city’s Careggi hospital after being found with serious injuries. Local police and forensic teams were seen at the luxury hotel on Saturday, with the hotel close to one of the main attractions in Florence – Ponte Vecchio.

Leigh East, the club where Bibey made his start as a junior, released some kind words for the former prop’s family. In a tweet, a club spokesperson said: “All at the club are saddened to hear about the death of our former junior Ricky Bibey who passed away on holiday.

“Ricky played professionally for a number of clubs including Leigh, Wigan, St Helens and Wakefield. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time.”

We at Serious About Rugby League echo these condolences and our thoughts are with his family at this time.