Principal, husband, child all found dead on grounds of elite UK school
The community of an elite school in the UK is in shock after the bodies of the headmistress, her husband and their young child were found on the school grounds.
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The headmistress of a prestigious UK school, as well as her husband and young daughter, have been found dead on school grounds.
Police were called to Epsom College in Surrey, southeast England, at 1am overnight when the bodies of Emma Pattison, 45, her daughter Lettie, 7, and husband George, 39 were found, The Sun reports.
Police believe this is an isolated incident with no third-party involvement.
Ms Pattison, the principal of the exclusive $73,000-a-year school, has been described as a “wonderful teacher” and “delightful” person.
The school community has been left reeling at the “traumatic” loss.
British TV personality Jeremy Vine and BBC journalist Nicholas Witchell are among the school’s alumni.
Detective Chief Inspector Kimball Edey said: “On behalf of Surrey Police, my team, and I, I first want to express my sincerest condolences to the friends and family of Emma, Lettie and George, as well as to the students and staff of Epsom College, for their tragic loss.
“I want to give my assurance that we will conduct a thorough investigation into what took place last night, and hope to be able to bring some peace in these traumatic circumstances. I would ask that their privacy is respected at this very difficult time.”
Inspector Jon Vale, Epsom and Ewell’s Borough Commander, said: “We’re aware that this tragic incident will have caused concern and upset in the local community.
“While this is believed to be an isolated incident, in the coming days, our local officers will remain in the area to offer reassurance to students, parents, teachers and the local community.
“I would like to thank the school and the community for their understanding and patience while the investigation continues.”
Dr Alastair Wells, chairman of the Board of Governors at Epsom College, said: “On behalf of everyone at Epsom College, I want to convey our utter shock and disbelief at this tragic news.
“Our immediate thoughts and condolences are with Emma’s family, friends and loved ones, and to the many pupils and colleagues whose lives she enriched throughout her distinguished career.
“Emma was a wonderful teacher, but most of all she was a delightful person.
“In time we will commemorate Emma and her family, in the appropriate way, and in line with the wishes of her family. But for now, we ask that we are all given the time, space and respect we need to come to terms with this tragic loss.”
Ms Pattison was appointed the school’s first female head in September last year.
She revealed to pupils in December that the family had bought a labrador, named Bella, to live with them within the school grounds.
“In terms of transition it’s been a really big change for my family. We’ve moved house – we’ve bought a dog,” she said.
“I’ve got a new job, my husband has got a new job, that wasn’t meant to happen but it did, and my daughter has started a new school so there’s been a lot of change for us as a family.”
This article originally appeared on The Sun and was reproduced with permission
Originally published as Principal, husband, child all found dead on grounds of elite UK school
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