A popular rugby player from Newtown whose death led to tributes from clubs across Wales died as a result of misadventure, a coroner has concluded.  

Dylan Leach, 23, was found dead during the early hours of the morning at his girlfriend’s home after a night out drinking with his friends in March last year.

His passing sparked an outpouring of grief from across the Newtown community and the rugby family across the country.

An inquest at Pontypridd Coroner’s Court heard that Dylan drank a “significant” amount of alcohol and had taken some cocaine during the hours before his death on March 19, 2023.

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When he returned to his girlfriend’s house in Trehafren, Newtown, the coroner said Dylan carried out an "impulsive" act, which led to his death - ruling that he did not intend to kill himself.

“There was no evidence to make a finding that he intended the consequences of his actions to be his own death,” senior coroner Graeme Hughes said.

“It appears more likely that he acted in this way due to the combined effects of ethanol and cocaine upon his state of mind.”

The tree surgeon's cause of death was misadventure, an inquest concluded on August 19.

@george_leach99_ Can’t wait to share this with everyone - Golden Dreams - george - miss you brother @dylan.leach99 #fyp #foryou #foryoupage #singing #guitar #originalmusic #music ♬ original sound - george

Earlier this year, George Leach released a song called Golden Dreams in memory of his brother who said the song was “always one of his favourites”, before adding “I miss him everyday”.

Tributes were posted on social media at the time of Dylan's death from friends, family, and rugby clubs across Wales.

"Everyone at the club is devastated to hear of the recent passing of first team player Dylan Leach," Newtown RFC said.

What happens at an inquest and what can the press report?

Reporting on inquests is one of the most difficult jobs faced by any journalist, but there are important reasons why local newspapers attend coroner’s court hearings and report on proceedings.

Here we will try and answer some of your questions about what will happen, what can be reported and why.

"Dylan had established himself as a prominent and popular member of the senior squad in recent years and we offer our deepest sympathy to Wayne, Donna, George, Ellie and Dylan's wider family and friends at this extremely difficult time."

Llandrillo Rugby Academy said: "Dylan spent two years with us at Coleg Llandrillo and was very well thought of amongst the staff and his peers. A polite and respectful young man who will be sorely missed."

Colwyn Bay Rugby Club shared: “Dylan starred in many fierce battles against the Bay, he will be remembered profoundly.”