A 28-year-old “much-loved season ticket holder” of Wycombe Wanderers died from hanging, a coroner said.

Aaron James Lockyer, of Slough, was found dead at his home address on July 31, just a week before his birthday, the opening of an inquest into his death heard.

Heidi Connor, the senior coroner for Berkshire, said his body was identified by his mother, Karen Williams. 

Speaking at Reading Coroner’s Court on Tuesday, August 27, Mrs Connor said a post mortem examination had been carried out and a preliminary cause of death had been given as “compression of the neck by ligature”.

The coroner adjourned the matter for a full inquest to take place in due course which would investigate how Mr Lockyer died. 

Mr Lockyer was a “much loved Wanderers supporter”, the club revealed in tributes posted online last week. 

In a statement, the club said: “Wycombe Wanderers send their deepest condolences to the friends and family of season ticket holder Aaron Lockyer, who passed away this week aged just 28.

The club shared a picture of Mr Lockyer wearing grey with friends ahead of a game at Peterborough United last season.

It added the fan had “travelled across the country to follow the club over the past few years, becoming a popular figure amongst fellow supporters.

“Through friends, the club have made contact with Aaron's family to express the love and support of everyone at the club”, the club added.

Supporters were invited to join in with a minute's applause for Mr Lockyer in the 28th minute of Saturday's game at Adams Park against Rotherham United. 

Pictures showed both sets of supporters paying their respects to Mr Lockyer during the match, with one banner in the stand reading “once a blue always a blue, RIP Aaron”.

Mr Lockyer’s family were invited to the game as guests of the club and a celebration of his life was held in the Caledonian Suite after the game, and at the Flint Cottage in High Wycombe from that evening, with all fans invited to join.

The Wycombe Way, a fan page for the club, shared details of the Samaritans and other support lines, adding: “Check in on your mates.

Remember you are never alone in your battles.”