Footballing world pays tribute to Gary Speed
Cheshire Police found him dead at 0708 GMT at his home in Huntington. Sources said the 42-year-old was found hanged, BBC News reports.
Alan Shearer said he would "miss him dreadfully", and Ryan Giggs said he was "one of the nicest men in football".
Welsh and English politicians also paid tribute, with First Minister Carwyn Jones saying he was "deeply saddened".
Within minutes of the news of his death emerging, colleagues and public figures began to pay tribute to Speed.
Former Wales teammate Giggs said: "I am totally devastated. Gary Speed was one of the nicest men in football and someone I am honoured to call a team-mate and friend.
"It goes without saying my thoughts are with his family at this tremendously sad time."
Another of Speed's former Wales teammate, Robbie Savage, tweeted: "The world has lost a great man in Gary speed I'm devastated spoke to him yesterday morning why ! Why. Why !! I'll miss him so much x
Speed made a record 85 appearances for his country
"He come to watch strictly [Strictly Come Dancing] 3/4 weeks ago I high fived him in the front row he loved the show ,he loved life he loved his family ! Devastated".
Alan Shearer, who played alongside Speed at Newcastle for six years between 1998 and 2004, said: "Gary was a magnificent person, bright, fun and a wonderful family man - he lit up every room he walked into.
"I am proud to have been his friend and will miss him dreadfully."
Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish released Welsh international striker Craig Bellamy from his squad for Sunday's match against Manchester City, saying Bellamy "was very, very close to Gary".
First Minister of Wales Carwyn Jones said he was deeply saddened, adding: "This is devastating news and our thoughts are with his family at what must be a very difficult time for them."
Welsh Secretary Cheryl Gillan tweeted: "This is a sad day for football and for everyone in Wales. Gary Speed served club and country as a player and manager with great distinction."
Andrew RT Davies, Welsh Conservative leader, said he and millions of others "will always remember him as a legend in the game of football".
Welsh Liberal Democrats leader, Kirsty Williams, described the death as a "tragedy for the Speed family and a tragedy for Welsh football."
Plaid Cymru leader Ieuan Wyn Jones said the "whole nation is in shock."
"He will never be forgotten," he added.
Other politicians paid their respects, with a Downing Street spokesman saying: "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.
"The prime minister's thoughts are with his family and friends on this very sad day for fans everywhere, especially in Wales."
Labour leader Ed Miliband tweeted: "Tragic and shocking news about Gary Speed. Fantastic servant of Leeds. Mourned by football. Deepest condolences to his family."
A spokesman for BBC Sport said: "The news of Gary's death is a huge shock. Our thoughts and sympathies are with his friends and family at this incredibly sad time."
Details also at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-15911321
