A PROMISING young teacher who had “everything to live for”

died after hanging himself following a row with his girlfriend.

Andrew McNally was found dead on July 22 last year in his Bolton town centre flat by his head of department at Canon Slade School, who had gone to investigate why he had not turned up for work.

The death of the popular drama teacher, who was described as confident and outgoing, shocked his family, friends and colleagues, an inquest in Bolton was told.

As news of Mr McNally’s death spread, stunned pupils left 300 moving messages of sympathy and bouquets of flowers at the school.

His girlfriend and fellow drama teacher, Rebecca Hancock, said they had met when she started work in Canon Slade’s drama department.

On Wednesday, July 21, they had gone to Mr McNally’s flat in St George’s Street.

Soon after arriving the couple had a row and Miss Hancock eventually left to drive to her home in Royton.

She said they were in contact via texts and in a phone call Mr McNally told her: “If you don’t come back now I’m going to do something stupid.”

Miss Hancock tried to return his call but the 28- year-old did not answer.

Concerned, she returned to the flat but could not get into the complex and eventually returned home.

He was found dead the following day. Assistant Deputy Coroner Peter Watson returned an open verdict, saying he did not believe Mr McNally had intended to kill himself.

He added the teacher had a good career at Canon Slade, where he was highly thought of, had a serious girlfriend and, not long before his death, had just bought a season ticket to watch Newcastle United.

Mr Watson said: “There was no letter and the door to his flat was open, which suggests it may have been a cry for help and that he thought Miss Hancock would return.”