A Greater Manchester firefighter who was described as a "true gent" took his own life during divorce proceedings, an inquest heard.
Andrew Leyland worked as a watch manager at Atherton Community Fire Station, having previously worked as a joiner with his father.
Mr Leyland, 51, died on Boxing Day 2025 having returned from a Christmas gathering with family the night before.
Statements read by Coroner Kate Bisset at Accrington Town Hall said Mr Leyland had seemed "completely normal" at the gathering, despite the financial pressure he was under from the divorce.
He was said to be "fully involved, laughing, joking, and singing," even in the taxi back to his house with his daughters, Isobel and Abigail.
The inquest heard Mr Leyland, from Oswaldtwistle, had never experienced any mental health difficulties, nor had he ever attended his GP for such issues.
He did not use prescribed or non-prescribed drugs and had no issues with alcohol, just drinking socially.
READ MORE: Tributes pour in for firefighter who died over Christmas
READ MORE: Funeral held for Atherton Watch Manager Andrew Leyland
Ms Bisset said Mr Leyland had been in a relationship with his new partner for around 18 months after his wife left the family home.
His brother said in a statement that he had "never seen him as happy and settled" as he was in the new relationship.
He said that following a conversation with his brother in August last year, he was told Andrew "felt like he was the one being punished" in the proceedings, and described increasing financial demands.
Detective Inspector Steve Slater, the senior investigating officer in the case, attended Mr Leyland's address in Acorn Avenue at around 1.30pm on December 26 after police were contacted by the North West Ambulance Service.
He said there was no evidence of any crime having been committed or any third-party involvement in Mr Leyland's death.
An external post-mortem examination was carried out by Dr Sarah Hauxwell, who said there were no other external injuries to Mr Leyland not associated with his death.
Ms Bisset accepted Dr Hauxwell's cause of death and recorded that Mr Leyland had died by taking his own life.
More than 900 people attended Mr Leyland's funeral at Accrington Stanley FC in January, and flags at fire stations across Greater Manchester were flown at half-mast when news of his death came in.
Mr Leyland was a passionate supporter of Accrington Stanley FC and held a season ticket at the Wham Stadium. He had been due to attend their Boxing Day fixture against Barrow AFC.
He joined Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) in 1998 following his service with Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service (LFRS) from 1993.
Tributes from colleagues flooded in after news of his death was announced by GMFRS.
One person said: "Absolutely tragic. Rest in peace Andy, a true gent and forever helping anyone."
Another wrote: "The saddest and most shocking news. Andy was just one of the best lads I've known and he will be missed too much. We are all absolutely devastated at Atherton."
Another tribute said: "Andrew was a watch manager when I first joined the service. He was always kind.
"He took the time to help answer questions whenever I had them. A loss to the service and to us all. God rest his soul."
Another said: "Thoughts and prayers go out to all Andy's family, friends, and colleagues. Rest in the arms of the angels, Andy. Your work is done. Thank you for your service."
Wigan councillor James Fish said: "Andy served our community with distinction and dedication, and his leadership and commitment to public safety will be remembered by all who had the privilege of working with him.
"My thoughts are with Andy's family, friends, and colleagues, during this incredibly difficult time. I would also like to extend my heartfelt condolences to the wider fire service family who are mourning this loss.
"I stand together with the courageous fire service personnel who protect our community, often at great personal cost. Rest in peace, Andy. Your service and legacy will not be forgotten."
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