Summary
An inquest determined repeated heading of a football likely contributed to the brain disease, chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), in former footballer Gordon McQueen, who died in 2023. McQueen's career involved frequent head impacts, and these impacts were found to be a significant factor in the development of his CTE and his eventual death from pneumonia, vascular dementia, and CTE.
Key Facts
- Gordon McQueen was a footballer who played for Scotland and several clubs, including Manchester United.
- McQueen was diagnosed with vascular dementia and died in 2023 at age 70.
- An inquest found that repeated heading of the football likely led to his brain disease, CTE.
- CTE and vascular dementia contributed significantly to McQueen's death.
- A coroner found that head impacts in McQueen’s career contributed to his brain condition.
- CTE symptoms include cognitive decline and behavioral changes.
- Defenders in football, who head the ball often, have a higher risk of developing CTE than goalkeepers.
