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Marlborough College Teacher Dies After Dismissal Over Trip Conduct as Report Cites 'No Gum, No Gays' Remark

An adjourned inquest now oversees a case police do not treat as suspicious.

Overview

  • John Wright, 54, was found dead at his Marlborough home on Nov. 3, with Wiltshire Police describing a sudden death with no suspicious circumstances.
  • The Wiltshire coroner opened an inquest on Nov. 7 and recorded a provisional cause as injuries consistent with hanging before adjourning the case.
  • Wright had been dismissed in the summer after an internal investigation into conduct on a 17‑day exchange involving 29 pupils visiting Malaysia and Singapore, and his appeal was unsuccessful.
  • Recent reporting attributes to Wright an alleged comment to a pupil — “no gum, no gays” — said to reference local laws; the remark has been reported but not legally adjudicated.
  • Marlborough College offered condolences and said he was sacked for serious inappropriate conduct, while family and some colleagues criticize the disciplinary process and describe a culture of fear among staff.