I'll be completely honest and admit I don't follow Welsh sports, outside of my interest in the recently retired Gareth Thomas, after he came out as the first professional Gay rugby player while still active on the field.  For that reason, I was not aware of Gary Speed.  Mr. Speed, a former decorated player and then the manager of the Welsh national  football (or what we call in the states, soccer) team, had a glittering reputation, both on and off the field. According to the Daily Mail,  He was 42 years old, and married with two teenage sons.  The police reported finding his body at 7:08 am on the 27th of November.  He was said to have apparently committed suicide by hanging himself and the investigators reported the situation "not suspicious," indicating it appeared to be a suicide.  His death has sent many troubled ripples internationally as fans and sports figures speculated on what could have motivated him to take his own life. Those involved in a broadcast interview with him the day before reported him to show no signs of depression.

Like many unexpected suicides where the individual had no apparent trauma, situational stress, or problems, his death has raised a great deal of speculation and rumors.  Some have suggested this was not a suicide, but a FIFA or crime related murder in order to either "silence" him or retaliation for him not "following orders.  More troubling are the suggestions tabloids were going to do an expose on his personal life.  His reported suicide has brought back uncomfortable memories of Justin Fashanu, a top British soccer player, and the first athlete in a team sport to come out during his athletic career. According to ESPN:  After publicly coming out, Fashanu was described by others as "erratic."  Fashanu commits suicide in 1998 at the age of 36. His body is found hanging in an abandoned garage in East London. 

According to the Huffington Post, The British tabloids The Sun and The Daily Star denied on their official Twitter accounts that they had been preparing to publish revelations about Speed's private life.

His death has sparked an outpouring of sympathy and regret on a global level for fans.  Tributes of flowers, jerseys, and other atricles have been left in his memory, as people over the world paid their respects.  PerthNow reports: Former Manchester United midfielder Beckham saluted Speed's achievements, which included winning the old First Division title with Leeds in 1992 and reaching two FA Cup finals with Newcastle.

"I think he was an amazing, talented player, a player that had such a glittering career and just began a great career in management as well," Beckham told media in Jakarta, where his LA Galaxy team are playing this week.

Because of Gary Speed, The Sun reports: ... some professional players have sought help  The scramble by troubled soccer superstars for treatment in the wake of his death was revealed by the Sporting Chance clinic — founded by former Arsenal and England captain Tony Adams.Chief executive Peter Kay said: "I think it's almost inappropriate that anything good can come out of such an awful occurrence.

"But over ten players have contacted me since that news broke. That means ten people are seeking help. That is an unusual amount. If that can be deemed something worthwhile coming out from such a tragedy then so be it."

He added: "When people are voicing the fact they've considered taking their own life that is the stage before Gary got to."

Funding for the clinic comes partly from the Professional Footballers' Association.

Its chief executive Gordon Taylor yesterday said players with mental health issues needed to find the "courage to ask for help".