Premier League hero’s brother found dead in ‘unexplained and sudden death’ | Football | Sport

The brother of Premier League legend and former Welsh international footballer, John Hartson, has tragically passed away in an “unexplained and sudden death”. James Hartson, the brother of the footballer turned pundit, was found deceased at a property in Swansea on Thursday morning (February 5).

The sombre news of his passing was announced at a Welsh crown court today, leading to a hushed silence over the loss of the 53-year-old barrister. In a mark of respect, proceedings at Swansea Crown Court were suspended on Thursday. Judge Geraint Walters, adjourning a murder trial at the court, informed the jury of the “unexplained and sudden death” of a member of the Bar. He added that the death had deeply “shaken” the court.

Prior to his career as a barrister, James served for 20 years in the police force in London and Cardiff, including stints in Special Branch and as a detective at New Scotland Yard.

South Wales Police confirmed that the body of a 53-year-old man was discovered at a property in the Port Tennant area of Swansea on Thursday morning, following calls made due to welfare concerns.

Formal identification is yet to be carried out, but the family of the deceased and the coroner have been notified. The police stated that the death is not being treated as suspicious.

This marks the second family tragedy for the ex-Celtic, West Ham and Arsenal striker, who has now suffered the loss of two siblings.

John, 50, experienced the loss of his eldest sister Hayley in 2020. At the time, he expressed being “devastated” by her passing on social media.

Sharing a photograph of the siblings together, he wrote: “It is with great sadness today we put our Beloved Hayley to rest. We are totally devastated.. she will be sorely missed. There are no words. RIP Big sister.”

John has not yet made any public statement regarding his brother’s death.