Banned rugby star Terry Newton found dead at home

Newton was tested positive for human growth hormone (HGH) in November last year by United Kingdom Anti-Doping Agency (UKAD).

He had tested positive after providing a blood sample during pre-season training with his new club in Nov. (09).

The 31-year-old ex-Great Britain rugby league star, who made his name with Bradford Bulls, Leeds Rhinos and Wigan Warriors, was found dead at his home over the weekend.

Dad-of-two, Newton, admitted taking the banned substance in February, after which he was banned from rugby for two years by the Rugby Football League and was sacked by Wakefield Wildcats.

Newton dies
The 31-year-old ex-Great Britain rugby league star, who made his name with Bradford Bulls, Leeds Rhinos and Wigan Warriors, was found dead at his home over the weekend.

Newton, who had suffered depression following the death of his younger sister Leanne from heroin abuse in 2008, has been found dead in a suspected suicide, according to British media tabloid reports.

Suicide suspected
British tabloids are reporting that Newton, who was seven months into the two-year suspension imposed earlier this year, had committed suicide.

The star athlete is believed to have taken his own life, the British Broadcasting Corporation reported.

According to Sky News, Newton was found hanged at his house in Orrell, on the outskirts of Wigan.

The Guardian reported on its website that police were called to Newton’s Orrell house shortly after 2pm, and discovered the body of the player in the garage.

Newton had posted a message on his Facebook profile early Sunday saying, “Luv U all but it’s end time.”

However, CNN has cited a spokesman for the Greater Manchester Police as saying that there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.

"There are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances surrounding his death," the spokesman said Monday.

Friends and associates mourn the tragic death
Meanwhile, the Rugby Football League has issued a statement, expressing sadness at the rugby player’s death.

"We are deeply shocked and saddened by the news of Terry's untimely death," said RFL chairman Richard Lewis.

"This is a personal tragedy and our thoughts are with Terry's partner, his children and his family at this terrible time."

UK’s Mirror has cited former England team-mate Sean Long as saying that he had spoken to Newton on Saturday, the same day he found dead, and he seemed happy.

"He was running a fund-raising event in his pub and he was in good spirits. Then I got the phone call today to say he was dead. It's devastating,” Long said.

"Terry was such a nice bloke I cannot believe this has happened. The highlight of his career was playing for his country.

Also, Wigan's chairman, Ian Lenagan mourned the sudden and untimely death of their former player.

"Everyone at the club is devastated by the news," Lenagan said. "Terry will be remembered as a great player of this club and rugby league in general and a larger than life character."