‘Best dad you could ever meet’ was third person found dead in house mystery

Tributes have been paid to a dad-of-two described as the "best bloke you could ever meet" whose tragic death remains shrouded in mystery.

Andrew Mark Smith, 39, was discovered unresponsive at a house in Oldham Road, Failsworth, Oldham, alongside a couple he had apparently stayed with over Christmas.

Couple Zoe Hamilton, 28, and James Acton, 41, were also found dead on Monday, December 28, the Manchester Evening News reports.

It is understood the three were found by Ms Hamilton's loved ones, who had gone to check on her.

Post-mortem examinations have been inconclusive and police say the cause of deaths of all three are still not known.

Detectives are awaiting the results of toxicology reports.

Inquests into the three deaths will be opened at Rochdale Coroners' Court on Thursday, January 7.

Ms Hamilton and Mr Acton had been living together for a number of months, it is understood.

They invited Andrew to stay with them during the Christmas period after getting to know him while he was sleeping rough in Failsworth, Ms Hamilton's family previously told the Manchester Evening News.

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Andrew's partner has now spoken publicly, sharing her utter devastation at his passing away.

She said he would "do anything for anyone".

Michelle Fleming, 38, known as Shelly, is the mother of Andrew's youngest daughter. She said she was with Andrew for 12 years.

She told the M.E.N: "You couldn't meet a nicer person.

"He was just the best bloke you could ever meet.

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"He was very well-known in Failsworth and everyone that knew him wouldn't have a bad word to say about him.

"He was always really polite and well mannered.

"He would also do anything for anyone. If you needed it he would give you his last penny.

"The last few months he had fallen on hard times but he was getting his life back on track.

"We're all just absolutely devastated."

Manchester United fan Andrew leaves behind two daughters – aged 19 and four.

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"I still don't think it has properly hit me," Michelle said.

"I've had a fair few cries. Then I feel like I'm waiting for him to phone me and it hits me again.

"And it's really hard not knowing what has happened.

"I went down to lay some flowers and light some candles for him on New Year's Eve.

"He will be forever loved and missed by his daughters and by me."

One of the numerous messages and floral tributes left outside the scene of the tragedy reads: "Always in our thoughts Andy. RIP Now."

Mum-of-three Ms Hamilton's sister T'Anna Green, 19 said last week: "She had a heart of gold and would help anyone.

"She let Andrew stay on the sofa over Christmas. She had been on streets herself so I can imagine her doing that. It's the kind of thing she did.

"It's just sad how she's gone. I can't believe it. We're still in shock, especially because we're the ones that found her."

Mr Acton's sister said he was a 'dad, a brother, a son, a friend' and would be 'missed and loved eternally'.

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