Talented rugby player, 15, found dead by his grandparents just a day after grazing his shin during game

A TEENAGE rugby player died after grazing his shin during a match.

Samuel Staple was found dead at the home where he lived with his grandparents shortly before 10am on September 24 in Tupholme, Lincoln.

An inquest was opened into the 15-year-old’s death yesterday.

The short hearing was told Samuel had hurt himself during a game for Lincoln RFC U16s the previous day and required first aid.

Coroner Wilkes said: “The next day Samuel felt unwell, he had been sick and he was kept off school.

“He was checked throughout the day and it was assumed he was sleeping.”

The teen’s grandmother Rebecca later tried to wake him up and it was found “he was not breathing and he had been sick”.

Paramedics were called to the house but Samuel was pronounced dead at the scene.

A post-mortem examination has been carried out, with the toxicology findings suggesting that Samuel had high levels of medication in his bloodstream when he died.

The inquest has been adjourned until March 26, 2025.

In a tribute, Lincoln Rugby Club said: “It is with a heavy heart and great sadness we have to let you know of the passing of a young member of our rugby family, Sam Staple.

“Sam sadly passed away on Tuesday 24th September and will be greatly missed by all.

“Sam was a funny, cheeky, larger than life character and was an incredibly special young man.”

They shared that Sam was “enthusiastic” about rugby and “a keen supporter of Stockport County FC and Wasps RFC”.

The club and Samuel’s family have established The Sam Staple Memorial Fund to create a lasting legacy in his honour.