British Prime Minister David Cameron and Labour leader Ed Miliband on Sunday mourned the death of Wales football manager Gary Speed who committed suicide at the age of 42. Welsh leaders said Speed served his country and football club with distinction.

Cheshire Police have told British media that they found Speed dead at 7:08 a.m. Sunday morning at his home in Huntington, Chester. There are no suspicious circumstances. Authorities said Speed was found hanged. Speed died leaving a wife and two children. He has made an appearance on BBC1's Football Focus show on Saturday afternoon.

The prime minister was deeply saddened to hear of the death of Gary Speed, who was greatly respected by football fans across the country both as a player and manager, a Downing Street spokesman told the BBC. The prime minister's thoughts are with his family and friends on this very sad day for fans everywhere, especially in Wales.

Miliband tweeted that the news of Speed's death us tragic and shocking.

Fantastic servant of Leeds. Mourned by football. Deepest condolences to his family, Miliband's tweet read.

Speed was born in Mancot, Flintshire. He took on his current position on the Wales side last December. Speed won 85 caps, which a record for an outfield player, for his country during a 14-year international career.

Speed started his career playing at Leeds United.

A Leeds spokesman said the club was stunned and saddened by the news of his death.

First Minister Carwyn Jones told the BBC that he was saddened at the news of Speed's sudden death.

This is devastating news and our thoughts are with his family at what must be a very difficult time for them, Jones said.

Welsh Secretary Cheryl Gillan also tweeted that it was a sad day for football and for everyone in Wales.

Gary Speed served club and country as a player and manager with great distinction, Gillan tweeted.

Welsh Conservatives leader, Andrew RT Davies, said he and millions of others will always remember him as a legend in the game of football.

Watch Speed talk about his being named manager of the Wales side in the video below:

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