what happened to dave courtney
Dave Courtney died in October 2023 at age 64, and later reporting and the inquest concluded that he took his own life at his home in Plumstead, south- east London. He had been dealing with severe arthritis and prostate cancer, and messages he posted before his death described significant pain and difficulty moving around.
Quick Scoop
| Point | What happened |
|---|---|
| Death | Found dead at home in Plumstead on 22 October 2023. |
| Cause | Inquest findings reported that he died by suicide, with police finding no third-party involvement. |
| Health context | He had spoken about crippling arthritis and also had prostate cancer. |
| Aftermath | Reports in 2025 said he died penniless and without leaving a will. |
What was said publicly
He left video messages saying he was “hurting” and in a lot of pain, and that his mobility problems were affecting everyday life. Reporting from the inquest said those videos were part of the evidence considered by the coroner.
Why people are talking about it
Courtney was a well-known London ex-gangster who later became a public figure, author, and actor, so his death drew a lot of attention in the press and on forums. The conversation around him has mostly focused on his health struggles, his final messages, and the fact that he left no assets or will.
Sensitivity note
Because this involves suicide, I’ve kept this brief and non-graphic.
