Retired rugby star Rick Bibey was found dead in a Florence hotel room on Saturday. He was 40 years old. A woman, the former Wigan Warriors player’s alleged partner, was found injured by his side, authorities said.

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Italian media outlet La Nazione was the first to report that the Manchester-based man found dead in the Italy hotel was Bibey. 

As per Mirror, the police suspect that Rick Bibey may have died from a seizure or heart attack. The cause of death has not been confirmed yet. 

The report further adds that Bibey and his alleged partner arrived at the hotel on Friday and returned in ‘high spirits’ at 2 AM on Saturday morning. 

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She was rushed to hospital with serious injuries. 

Bibey’s career spanned a decade from 2000. He represented England and played at local clubs including Wigan Warriors, Leigh Centurions and Wakefield Trinity Wildcats.  

Rick Bibey net worth: As per celebseek, Ricky Bibey’s net worth is estimated to be around $5 million. 

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Relationship status: Bibey was not married but it is reported that he was in a relationship with his longtime girlfriend. It is  unknown whether he has children. Italy 24news reported that Bibey’s partner seemed shocked after her partner’s death.

The media outlet, without naming her, added that she went ‘ half naked and smeared her neighbors after discovering her corpse of Bibey in her hotel room’. 

Italy 24news said that Bibey’s partner was hospitalized in code pink, which suggests that she was likely to have suffered from gender-based violence. As per the report, the two were travelling for a vacation in Florence. 

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“Trinity are saddened to hear of the passing of former prop-forward Ricky Bibey, aged 40,” his former team Wakefield Trinity has paid tribute to him on Twitter.

“Ricky played for Trinity between 2007 and 2009, making 60 appearances. We send our condolences to Ricky’s family and friends at this tough time.”

Leon Pryce, former St Helens, Bradford, star also paid tribute. 

“Sincere condolences to Ricky’s family. We played against each other since the age of about 14. Yorkshire vs Lancashire & together for England schools boys U16’s. A great lad. Absolutely devastating news,” he tweeted.