Gordon McQueen Death: Football Heading Linked to Fatal Heart Attack
## Gordon McQueen and Chronic traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE)
Gordon McQueen, a former Scotland and Manchester United footballer, died in 2023 and an inquest concluded that repeatedly heading a football likely contributed to the development of the brain disease that factored into his death. BBC News reported on the inquest findings in February 2024. As of January 26, 2026, there have been no further updates to the official findings of the inquest.
## Vascular Dementia and Cause of Death
Vascular dementia, a decline in cognitive function due to reduced blood flow to the brain, was a contributing factor in Gordon McQueen’s death, alongside Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE). the Alzheimer’s Society defines vascular dementia and its causes. The coroner determined the official cause of death to be pneumonia, complicated by vascular dementia and CTE.
## Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) in Football
### What is CTE?
Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) is a progressive degenerative brain disease found in individuals with a history of repetitive brain trauma,including concussions and subconcussive impacts. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides a detailed overview of CTE, its symptoms, and diagnosis.
### Football and Head Impacts
The inquest found that McQueen suffered repetitive head impacts during his football career, and that repeatedly heading the ball likely contributed to the development of CTE. The Guardian details the growing concern regarding the link between heading in football and neurodegenerative diseases. Research continues to investigate the long-term effects of repetitive head impacts in football. the Premier League has implemented guidelines to reduce the risk of concussion, including protocols for head injury assessments.
## Gordon McQueen’s Football Career
### Playing Career
Gordon McQueen played 30 times for the Scotland national team and made approximately 350 club appearances for St Mirren,Leeds United,and Manchester United as a central defender between 1970 and 1985. The scottish Football Association published a tribute following his death, detailing his career achievements.
### Post-Playing Career
Following his playing career, McQueen managed Airdrie and held coaching positions at St Mirren and Middlesbrough. Transfermarkt provides a summary of his managerial and coaching career.