Scott Hastings dead aged 61: Scotland and British and Irish Lions rugby legend passes away on day of late wife’s birthday following complications with cancer treatment

Rugby legend Scott Hastings has passed away at the age of 61 following complications from cancer treatment.

Hastings is regarded as one of Scotland’s greatest players of all time; He played 65 times for his country and toured twice with the British and Irish Lions.

Hastings’ death happened on his late wife’s birthday. Jenny died in 2024 after becoming lost in the water at Wardie Bay in Edinburgh.

In the statement made by Scottish Rugby, it was said: ‘Corey and Kerry-Anne Hastings are saddened to inform you that Scottish and British and Irish Lions center Scott passed away peacefully with his family by his side on the morning of Sunday 17 May.’

‘This also marked his late wife Jenny’s birthday; it said louder than words that he was safe and with his beloved Jenny. Scott was being treated for cancer and deteriorated very quickly due to complications.

‘Despite the best efforts of the incredible team at Western General Hospital’s intensive care unit, he passed away peacefully and painlessly. At this point, the family requests that everyone give them space to process and manage their energies and that their privacy be respected.’

Jenny’s body was found four days later, on September 12, 2024, five miles from where she disappeared.

In an emotional statement released a day after the mum-of-two’s disappearance, her family said: ‘As many of you know, Jenny struggled with her mental health for a number of years and was ultimately unable to cope.

‘He swam from Wardie Bay in Edinburgh into the Firth of Forth, apparently seeking to end his suffering in a place that was tidy and healing for him.

‘He loved the water but unfortunately his mind wasn’t in a safe place. The Hastings family are absolutely heartbroken.’

Miss Hastings was classed as a ‘high risk missing person’ due to her known mental health issues. He has previously spoken out about his long-running struggle with severe depression and has previously made attempts on his own life.

“When she was good, she was radiant, beautiful and outgoing,” Scott said of his wife. ‘But it was really challenging to see someone’s poor mental health.’

He would find solace in visiting Wardie Bay after her death, with the couple spending 45 years together.

Hastings became Scotland’s most-capped male center of all time and won the grand slam with Scotland in 1990, securing the lead against England.

Townsend is the most capped Scottish men’s center of all time and guided his team to 1990 grand slam glory

Former teammate and Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend said: ‘In the late 1980s and early 1990s Scott was an iconic figure in Scottish rugby.

His defensive display in the Grand Slam victory over England in 1990 was crucial to the success of the day, and when he wore the navy blue jersey he embodied what it meant to play for Scotland, combining passion, confidence and aggression.

‘Like many other students in Scotland at the time, I wanted to emulate Scott’s approach to the game and how he took it to the opponent.

‘A few years later I had the chance to play alongside him a few times for Scotland as he became our most capped player.

‘Towards the end of his career his influence on his teammates was still very strong; He helped us come very close to winning another Grand Slam match against England at Murrayfield in 1996.

‘Scott has always brought positivity and energy to everything he does, from his playing career to being a well-traveled and respected commentator over the last few decades.

‘His passing is a great loss to Scottish rugby and my thoughts and prayers are with his family and close friends. ‘Rest in peace Scott.’