THE devastated family of tragic Gary Speed made a statement through his agent today (Monday).
Representing the 42-year-olds family outside Huntington Hall, where he lived with wife Louise, 41, and teenage sons Edward and Thomas, Hayden Evans, who was also Speed's close friend, asked the press to respect their privacy at a "very difficult time".
In a statement read on behalf of the family, Mr Evans said: "Gary's family would sincerely like to thank all the people who have sent messages of condolence and tribute.
In what is a very difficult time, it really has helped.
"We would ask that the family be given privacy and respect and that they be left to grieve in peace.
"Tributes to Speed were left outside the gates to his home, including a Sheffield United football shirt and bouquets of flowers.
"A letter, signed by a Paul Taylor, described meeting Speed on several occasions, and each time he was always a gentleman."
