MEDICAL experts have been unable to find the cause of a Leigh Genesis FC legend’s death, an inquest has heard.

Niall Dearnaley, 18, was found dead by his mum after a night out with friends on May 7.

The St Mary’s Catholic High School and Sixth Form College student suffered from type one diabetes but had tested his blood sugar that morning to make sure it was at a safe level before going to sleep.

A leading pathologist who performed the post-mortem examination on May 10 told Bolton Coroner’s Court last Wednesday that Niall’s death may have been caused by his diabetes, a seizure or an undetected medical condition.

Pathologist Dr David Barker said he could find no definitive cause of Niall’s death and the coroner concluded that he died of natural causes ‘on the balance of probabilities’.

Coroner John Pollard said: “We have heard that Niall was a very popular person and did not let his diabetes get in the way of his social life.

“But he was sensible and made sure he was careful with it.

“On the balance of probabilities Niall died from natural causes.

“There is no firm medical condition to attribute his death to but it is thought he may have had a seizure.”

Niall, of Waterview Park, Leigh, had not been diagnosed with epilepsy and had no history of having seizures.

Dr Jonathan Robinson, a consultant paediatrician and diabetes specialist at Wigan's Royal Albert Edward Infirmary, said: “There were no problems from recent appointments with Niall and he was sensible with handling his condition.

“A small percentage of diabetic patients we look after have had seizures.”

Niall had drunk wine, beer and vodka and Red Bull on the night out.

Dr Robinson added that teenagers who have been drinking alcohol are particularly at risk of hypoglycemic attacks.

Niall’s friend Adam Hunt was with him on the night out in Leigh town centre on May 6.

He said Niall did not drink an excessive amount of alcohol that night and ordered takeaway food to keep his blood sugar level safe.

Niall’s brother Rory talked to him in his bedroom room at 8.45am.

When he returned to Niall’s room at 11.30am his brother appeared to be sleeping.

Rory and their mum Sharon then went out shopping.

When they got back Sharon went to Niall’s room to check up on him at 2.30pm.

After being unable to wake him Sharon called an ambulance but paramedics were unable to resuscitate him.

Niall played in more than 320 games for Leigh Genesis having joined the club as a nine-year-old in 2008.

Upon his death Leigh Genesis released a statement hailing him a ‘legend’ whose ‘loyalty to the club was unwavering’.

The club set up the Niall Fund and has held fundraising events and raffles in his memory.

And various Leigh Genesis representatives were among the large number of people who attended Niall’s funeral at St Joseph’s RC Church in Leigh on May 19.