Inquest rules Ronan Costello’s death ‘an accident’

The tragic death of Huddersfield Giants youth player Ronan Costello in a game against Salford Under-19s earlier this year has been ruled as “accidental” by a judge at Bradford Coroner’s Court.

Costello died three days after he suffered a severe traumatic brain injury after a tackle in the game on June 11.

The youngster was tackled by  Salford’s Adam Jones and Aaron Moore, in a tackle which was described as not malicious.

Costello slipped during the tackle and hit the back of his head on the ground, which led to him fitting and losing consciousness.

The effects of witnessing the accident had led to Jones considering giving up playing rugby league.

After medical treatment on Huddersfield’s Dram Centre pitch, Costello had been airlifted to Leeds General Infirmary for brain surgery.

Tragically, he was pronounced dead on June 14.

Assistant coroner Philip Holden said: “This was a tragic death of a really promising young rugby player.”

A police investigation had found the death was not suspicious.

Ronan’s father, Martin, maintained that he did not hold Salford players responsible for wat he described as: “a tragic accident”.

A statement on behalf of the Costello family added: “He [Ronan] loved playing rugby league and was proud to play for Huddersfield Giants.”

Costello had started playing rugby at the age of six, and, according to his family, died doing what he loved doing.