Gary Speed, manager of the Wales national football team, was found dead Sunday morning after committing suicide at the age of 42, police confirmed to the media.

The Football Association of Wales also confirmed Speed's passing. The Football Association of Wales are sad to announce the death of the national team manager Gary Speed, a statement on its Web site reads, in part. We extend our sympathies and condolences to the family. We ask that everyone -- especially the media -- respects the family's privacy at this very sad time.'

Police told the media that Speed was found hanged on Sunday morning, leaving behind a wife and two children.

A Cheshire police representative told the media that around 7:08 a.m. local time on Sunday, the police were advised of a sudden death at an address in Huntington, Chester.

Officers went to the scene where a 42-year-old man was found dead. The next of kin have been informed and have confirmed the identity of the man as Gary Speed, the representative said. There are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death. The family have requested that they are left in peace to grieve at this difficult time. A family tribute will be released at a later date but not today.

According to ESPN, Speed was one of the Premier League greats, and he held the record of 535 Premier League appearances until David James passed that milestone. Speed won a league title with Leeds in 1992, and he was an FA Cup runner-up twice with Newcastle United.

Speed made more than 700 appearances overall before retiring from playing at Sheffield United in 2010. His final appearance was against the Wolves on Nov. 25, 2008.

The midfielder won 85 international caps for Wales, and he began coaching the national side last December. Speed was also honored as a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) for his services to football (i.e., soccer), according to ESPN.

During Speed's tenure, the Wales side rose to 45th from 112th in the FIFA rankings, ESPN reported.

Related Article: Gary Speed's Death Mourned by David Cameron, Welsh Leaders [VIDEO]

Football