An inquest has revealed that Andrew Paul Hewitt, a 52-year-old HGV driver and devoted supporter of Chester FC, tragically took his own life, reportedly due to the distress and embarrassment he faced after being implicated in a racist incident at a football match.
Mr Hewitt, who lived in Flint, North Wales, was found dead at his home shortly after attending an away National League fixture against Warrington Town on 1 December. Video footage circulated online showing a small group of Chester fans making gestures towards Warrington players, with Mr Hewitt appearing to make a racist gesture directed at a black player during celebrations of a goal. Chester FC condemned the behaviour and confirmed that the individual in the footage had been identified, with police involvement anticipated.
At the inquest hearing in December, Mr Hewitt’s brother Alan described the actions caught on video as “completely out of character,” stating that his brother “got caught up in the moment.” Alan explained that Andrew may have seen his club’s public denunciation and the ensuing online comments, leading him to fear a ban from attending matches or even legal repercussions, which he “could not face the embarrassment of either outcome.”
At the family home, officials discovered a note left by Mr Hewitt reading: “I f***** up. Sorry.” He was pronounced deceased at the scene at 1.35am. Assistant coroner Kate Robertson described the death as an “apparent act of self harm,” and HM Coroner for North Wales, John Gittins, ruled the cause a suicide after the inquest’s conclusion.
The hearing was held at County Hall where Mr Hewitt was remembered by relatives as a “hard-working individual” who had loyally supported Chester FC for around 40 years and maintained a long-term relationship with Hayley Williams. In his remarks, Coroner Gittins acknowledged the profound loss, saying: “It is a very tragic loss in very extreme, difficult circumstances. I can see this is a gentleman who is very much missed and the hole he has left is very difficult to fill in all of your lives.”
Neighbours spoke of their shock at the events, with one noting: “We all found out it was Andy who'd been accused of being racist. It doesn’t sound like him. He’s a lovely lad and they are a great family. We’re all stunned that he took his life over this. I feel so sorry for the family.” Another neighbour recounted seeing emergency services at the property and described Mr Hewitt’s partner as “devastated” by his death.
In response to the incident and Mr Hewitt’s passing, Chester FC released statements expressing their condemnation of the racist behaviour and later their sadness at the tragic outcome. Following the Warrington Town game, the club had said they were “angry and dismayed at an alleged instance of racism,” confirming the identification of the individual seen in the footage and intention to share information with the Football Association and Cheshire Police.
The inquest proceedings have highlighted the intense distress experienced by Andrew Hewitt in the wake of the public accusations and the social and legal consequences he anticipated. The events have drawn attention locally to both the incident at the football match and the profound personal toll it took.
Support services and helplines have been made publicly available in conjunction with reporting on the coroner’s verdict, providing resources for those experiencing distress or suicidal thoughts.
Source: Noah Wire Services