A well-respected water polo coach, Andrew McGinty, was discovered deceased in his hotel room after staff entered forcibly. McGinty, aged 34, had been coaching the England and Great Britain water polo teams and was found at the Village Hotel in Bury on December 18 last year. Despite his initial check-in on December 16, he did not check out as planned two days later.
Upon his failure to check out, staff broke into his hotel room, which was secured with a chain from the inside, only to find him lying on the bed, as revealed in an inquest into his passing. The final inquest session at Rochdale Coroner’s Court determined that his cause of death was ‘suffocation/asphyxiation.’
Senior Coroner Joanne Kearsley concluded that McGinty had intentionally taken his own life. Tributes poured in from various organizations following his tragic demise. Swim England acknowledged his significant contributions, while England Water Polo described him as a beloved and influential figure in the water polo community.
Manchester Water Polo Club expressed their deep loss for McGinty, an essential member for many years. Bolton School, where he served as a long-standing coach, mourned his unexpected death, emphasizing his dedication to water polo and the students he mentored.
Residing in Higher Blackley, north Manchester, McGinty also held the position of water polo head coach at the English Schools’ Swimming Association, leaving a lasting impact on the sport. Support for mental health was emphasized with contact information for the Samaritans provided for those in need.
