Cardiff, Wales – The Football Association of Wales announced on Sunday that manager Gary Speed has died at the age of 42.
According to police, Speed was found on Sunday morning after he committed suicide by hanging himself. He leaves behind a wife and two children.
Speed took over as manager of Wales in December 2010 after a short spell in charge of Sheffield United, and under Speed, the team moved up from 112th in the FIFA rankings to 45th last month.
As a player, Speed earned 85 caps for Wales and held the record for Premier League appearances with 535 before goalkeeper David James broke the mark.
Speed spent time with Leeds United, Everton, Newcastle and Bolton before retiring from the sport in 2010 with Sheffield United.
A statement from the Football Association of Wales read: "The Football Association of Wales are sad to announce the death of the national team manager Gary Speed. We extend our sympathies and condolences to the family. We ask that everyone respects the family's privacy at this very sad time."
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