The star, famed for scoring a magnificent solo goal against Wimbledon at Selhurst Park in 1992, was hit by a stun gun fired by police who were called to a home in Telford.
Officers had been called at around 1.30am today amid concerns “for the safety of an individual”, and a Taser was used.
Mr Atkinson’s father Ernest, 85, reportedly said his son was agitated before he was Tasered while neighbours described how he was “almost staggering” in the street. Paula Quinn claimed Mr Atkinson went down “like a lead balloon” after the weapon was fired at him.
She said: “I heard shouting and something smashing, which is what alerted me to look out of the window. I am feeling a bit sick knowing that the poor lad has passed.
“I don’t care what anybody has done. Nobody deserves to die as a result of something like that.”
Mr Atkinson’s nephew said police would not have used the stun gun if they had known the ex-striker’s medical history.
Atkinson, a top flight striker in the 1990s who made an appearance for England’s B team, was given medical treatment but died about 90 minutes later, West Mercia Police said.
Forensic officers were at the scene in Meadow Close this morning, which remained cordoned off.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “An ambulance was dispatched and upon arrival found a man who had been Tasered. “As he was being conveyed to Princess Royal Hospital, his condition deteriorated and he went into cardiac arrest.
“Despite efforts it was not possible to save him and he was confirmed dead at hospital, shortly after arrival.”
The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) is investigating Mr Atkinson’s death.
