Former England football star Paul Gascoigne has revealed a harrowing childhood incident, describing how witnessing the death of a friend’s younger brother at age 10 left a lasting impact on his life and mental health.
The 58-year-old former midfielder, known for his public struggles with alcohol addiction and mental health issues, recounted the traumatic event during an interview on ITV’s ‘Good Morning Britain’.
Gascoigne explained he was looking after his friend’s 8-year-old brother, who had opted not to attend a boys’ club. After leaving a shop, Gascoigne recalled telling the boy to “run fast.”
The child ran approximately one meter ahead and was then struck by a car. Gascoigne immediately ran to him.
“I ran to him, he died in my arms,” Gascoigne stated. He initially believed the boy was still alive because his lips moved slightly, which he mistakenly took for breathing. However, it was the child’s “last breath.”
He later described the funeral as “horrible,” recalling the profound impact of being in the presence of a coffin at such a young age. This recollection provides new context for Gascoigne’s long-documented battles with addiction and various mental health challenges.