Heartbroken Chippenham student took his own life (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Heartbroken Chippenham student took his own life

12:00pm Friday 7th September 2012 in News

University student George McCulloch, who grew up in Chippenham, took his own life after a break-up, an inquest heard last week.

The 19-year-old, who attended Kings Lodge and Abbeyfield Schools before starting university in Plymouth, died in a private residence in an area called Mutley Plain on January 27.

Many students from the university live in shared houses in the area.

Assistant deputy coroner Deborah Archer said Mr McCulloch's body was discovered by his ex-girlfriend, Haley Patty.

On a computer screen in the room, he had typed: “I’m sorry, I can’t live without you Haley.

“I will always love you I promise.”

Mrs Archer said: “The deceased was found by a friend in his bedroom at his home address of 26 Mutley Plain, Plymouth, on January 27.

“He was found under a computer desk. He had a white plastic bag over his head and sadly he could not be revived. My conclusion is that he took his own life.”

In January, Nigel Marsh, Mr McCulloch’s tutor at Abbeyfield, said the school had been left devastated at his death.

“George was a student at Abbeyfield for seven years,” he said.

“He started in September 2003. From day one he was a very lively student who had great aptitude for science, especially chemistry which he loved.

“George was willing to enter into lively debate with anyone about almost anything and he left the school with an impressive set of GCSEs as well as three A Levels.”

Mark Fuller, who was head of sixth form when George studied at the school, said: “Our thoughts go to George’s family and friends at this time.

“George was a great lad who was always willing to take the time to chat with you and could always be relied upon to help out when needed.”