Andrew McGinty, a 34-year-old coach who worked with England and Great Britain’s water polo squads, was found dead in a hotel room after taking his own life, an inquest has concluded.
McGinty’s body was discovered at the Village Hotel in Bury, Greater Manchester, on 18 December last year after staff forced their way into his room when he failed to check out. He had arrived at the hotel two days earlier on 16 December. When staff entered, they found the door had been chained from the inside. He was found lying on a bed.
A final hearing at Rochdale Coroner’s Court on Monday recorded a conclusion of suicide, with Senior Coroner Joanne Kearsley stating that “the circumstances of his death indicate he had deliberately ended his life.” The cause of death was given as suffocation/asphyxiation.
Tributes from across the water polo and swimming community have poured in since his death, painting a picture of a coach whose influence extended far beyond the poolside. Swim England, the national governing body, said it was “deeply saddened” to learn of his passing, while England Water Polo described him as “much liked” and “a huge influence” on hundreds of young players across the north west.
“Andy enjoyed great success coaching several GB and England age-group squads and was a popular figure on the poolside across the country,” the organisation said. “He was one of the main driving forces behind all the recent national programme successes.”
The City of Manchester Water Polo Club, where McGinty had been an integral member for many years, said he had “played a pivotal role in the development of the club and helped shape its future,” describing him as “a friend to many within our Manchester community.”
Bolton School, where he had served as a long-standing coach, called his death “a moment of great sorrow” for all connected to the school. “Andy’s passion for water polo and commitment to the students he coached was evident in all that he did,” they said. The English Schools’ Swimming Association also paid tribute, noting his decade-long contribution to school water polo and his role in fostering collaboration between Swim England and the ESSA.
In 2017, McGinty’s work attracted the attention of Prince William, who visited Bolton School in his capacity as Patron of English Schools’ Swimming to watch an exhibition match.
If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, the Samaritans can be reached 24 hours a day, seven days a week, by calling 116 123 or by emailing jo@samaritans.org
