Ricky Bibey, who played for Greater Manchester-based rugby team Wigan Warriors, was found dead in a Florence hotel room on Saturday. There was an injured woman by his side, authorities said. 

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The woman is believed to be his partner. She was rushed to hospital with serious injuries. Italian media outlet La Nazione was the first to report Bibey’s death. He was 40 years old. 

  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.  

“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.

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“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. 

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He also represented Leigh East at the amateur level. 

“All at the club are saddened to hear about the death of our former junior Ricky Bibey who passed away on holiday. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time,” the club wrote. 

Rick Bibey won the Northern Rail Cup with Leigh in 2006 before retiring after his third spell with the club in 2012.

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As per Mirror, the police suspect that Bibey may have died from a seizure or heart attack. A post mortem examination as well as toxicology reports have been demanded. 

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.