Ex-British rugby player Ricky Bibey has died at the age of only 40 alongside a seriously injured woman in a hotel room in Italy. The couple was believed to be on holiday. Fans have been wondering how did Ricky Bibey die, and who was the injured woman found with her. We’ll explain everything here.
On Sunday, July 17, 2022, Italian media reported that Bibey had been found dead in a hotel room in Florence. The staff at the four-star Hotel Continentale discovered the tragic scene on Saturday morning and called the police.
When the police arrived, Bibey was lying in a pool of blood with multiple injuries while the woman alongside her was found critically injured. Bibey’s body was taken for autopsy and the woman was rushed to a local medical facility for treatment.
How did Ricky Bibey Die? What was the cause of death?
Ricky Bibey, a retired British rugby player, was found dead inside the Continentale Hotel in Florence, Italy. His body was found in a pool of blood alongside a seriously injured woman who is believed to be his partner in a £350-a-night hotel room on the first floor.
The hotel staff discovered the couple on Saturday morning at 8 AM and the police were called. Upon arriving at the scene, police declared Bibey dead and the woman was taken to the local medical facility.
The exact cause of Rickey Bibey’s death isn’t announced yet. The signs are pointing towards foul play and it seems to be a homicide. However, more information will be available once the results of the autopsy are out.
The prosecutor Ester Nocera has requested the results of the autopsy along with the histological, toxicological, and alcoholic testing findings. Once the woman recovers and gets conscious, she can provide further details about the incident.
Ricky Bibey Early Life and Rugby League Career
Rickey Bibey was born on September 22, 1981, in Leigh, Greater Manchester, England. He was an English professional rugby league footballer who played as prop or second-row. Bibey made his professional debut in 2001 for Wigan Warriors after playing junior rugby league Leigh East.
He also went on to play Leigh Centurions, St Helens, Oldham, and Wakefield Trinity Wildcats. He also represented England A in three appearances for the team in 2002.Bibey is among the very players to win a Challenge Cup as both a Wigan Warriors and a St. Helens player.
He won the trophy with the Warriors in 2002 while with Helens in 2004. Bibey was also a member of the Leigh Centurions that won the Northern Rail Cup in 2006.
In May 2012, he was forced to retire following an Achilles Tendon injury. After retiring from rugby, Bibey was also known to work as an estate agent and running a development company previously.
Who was the woman with Ricky Bibey when he died?
The woman who was found alongside Ricky Bibey at the Continentale hotel room in Florence is identified to be Jennie Platt. She is believed to be Bibey’s partner and the couple reportedly also worked together.
According to an Italian media outlet La Nazione, the couple arrived at the hotel situated at the scenic beauty location on Friday night and stayed at the £350-a-night hotel suite on the first floor. However, the hotel staff discovered a horrifying scene the next morning.
Ricky Bibey was found dead with several physical injuries on his body while Jennie Platt was also found critically injured. She was then rushed to the hospital and is currently under treatment in the ICU (Intensive Care Unit).
Everything we know about Jennie Platt
Jennie Platt is Ricky Bibey’s alleged partner as the duo arrived on holiday together to stay in the Continentale hotel in Florence. The 43-year-old woman is the Owner and Managing Director at Jennie Platt Estates & Lettings Group.
She has expertise in high-end rentals and sales across the city, especially in the North West. The company also develops properties and Platt’s portfolio has grown over the last ten years.
Jennie Platt started her career in Marketing & Advertising in London. She later returned to her root and set up the sister brand, City Centre Chic. in 2009. Platt has a keen eye for property improvements and styling.
She is currently in a hospital receiving treatment following the incident on Saturday morning. “Although she was in a serious condition right now, she is stable, and her wounds are not life-threatening. We are attempting to reach out to her,” reported local police.
Who killed Ricky Bibey? Did Jennie Platt kill her?
Rickey Bibey was found dead in a hotel room in Florence, Italy, on Saturday morning by the hotel staff. A seriously injured woman, identified as Jennie Platt, was also found with him in the same room. The couple reportedly checked in last night.
“Exactly 30 meters from the Ponte Vecchio, in a room on the first level of the Hotel “Continentale” at Vicolo dell’Oro 6r. A forty-year-old man passed away, and his 43-year-old companion was taken to the hospital with extremely critical injuries and had surgery right away,” Italian media reported on July 17, 2022.
Both Bibey and Platt had several physical injuries on their bodies. Platt’s injuries appeared to be more severe as per the initial reports. The police are speculating if an outsider entered the room and got into a brawl with the couple leading to the tragic incident.
However, the hotel staff has ruled out the possibility. The police are also examining the possibility that Bibey and Platt got into a fight that turned violent while another possibility indicates an erotic game going wrong.
Bibey may also have a heart attack or seizure-related death. However, considering his age of 40 and previous background in rugby, that seems to be a long shot. There are a lot of things that need to be clarified in the case.
The police are also trying to recreate the crime scene to figure out what may have conspired at the night. They have collected a few items and the forensics are still searching for clues. More details will be available once the autopsy results are available or Platt recovers.
Fans, teams, and players paying tribute to Ricky Bibey
Ever since the news of Bibey’s passing emerged, fans and players have been paying tribute to the departed soul. His former team Wakefield Trinity has expressed grief on Twitter.
“Trinity are saddened to hear of the passing of former prop-forward Ricky Bibey, aged 40. 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,” their statement stated.
Trinity are saddened to hear of the passing of former prop-forward Ricky Bibey, aged 40.
— Wakefield Trinity (@WTrinityRL) July 17, 2022
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. ❤ pic.twitter.com/ZAEqH5iYxo
Wigan Warriors have also paid tribute to Bibey on Twitter. “Wigan Warriors are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former prop forward, Ricky Bibey. Between 2001-2003, Ricky played 42 games for Wigan and was part of the 2002 Challenge Cup winning squad. We send our condolences to Ricky’s family and friends at this sad time,” they wrote.
Wigan Warriors are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former prop forward, Ricky Bibey.
— Wigan Warriors 🍒⚪️ (@WiganWarriorsRL) July 17, 2022
Between 2001-2003, Ricky played 42 games for Wigan and was part of the 2002 Challenge Cup winning squad.
We send our condolences to Ricky’s family and friends at this sad time.
❤ pic.twitter.com/BHEQqExAXd
“Shocked to read this morning about the very sad news of the death of Ricky Bibey. I played with him briefly in the reserves at Wigan, a real character. RIP Ricky!” tweeted his former teammate Andy Grundy.
The rugby world is shocked to see Bibey go this soon. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the departed soul. May God grant enough strength to the family and friends in these tough times.