Cassius Newton, son of former Chelsea midfielder Eddie Newton, has died in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
The younger Newton, 34, died alongside his friend, Aran Martinson, 33, on July 18 after they went for a hike in 40C temperature, a coroner’s inquest opened in Essex, England on Thursday heard.
Both had moved to the UAE for work and were living in Ras Al Khaimah, Dubai, at the time of the incident.
The Independent quoted Essex area coroner Michelle Brown as saying that Newton, of Dorset, “decided to go for a hike with a friend in the morning, about 7am” at Wadi Naqab, a desert valley.
The inquest heard that they went out on a hot day in a “wholly mountainous region” of the country.
“His wife expressed concerns as she hadn’t heard from him, she being in the UK, and reported him missing,” the coroner said.
“It appears they had gone on a route that’s a recreational route, not needing hiking equipment.”
The coroner added that Newton was found “lying on his back with rocks surrounding him” by a search team approximately three or four kilometres from the vehicle.
Chelsea mourned Newton’s death in a statement shared on Facebook on Friday.
“Chelsea Football Club is devastated to learn of the passing of former Academy player Cassius Newton, son of our former player and coach Eddie.
“Our thoughts are with Cassius’ family and friends during this incredibly difficult time,” the statement reads.
(The Sun)
