Lilie James remembered one year after her horrific murder

A year has passed since the senseless and violent murder of a young sports coach in an elite Sydney school bathroom by her short-term ex-boyfriend, leaving the nation reeling.

Lilie James lived every day to the fullest, her dad said.

A year has passed since the senseless and violent murder of a young sports coach in a school bathroom by her short-term ex-boyfriend, leaving the nation reeling.

Lilie James had ended a relationship of just five weeks with co-worker Paul Thijssen when he murdered her in a horrific and cowardly attack in a bathroom at St Andrew’s Cathedral School on October 25 last year.

Lilie, 21, was a water polo coach at the elite inner-city private school, where 24-year-old Thijssen also worked as a sports assistant.

He fatally bludgeoned the young sports coach, then jumped to his own death from a Vaucluse clifftop after making a chilling phone call to police alerting them to his appalling act.

The school foyer was filled with floral tributes in the wake of the tragedy, with ribbons from the bouquets later turned into a wreath for a school memorial.

Lilie James horrific murder shocked Sydney.

One year on, the school made a brief statement in solidarity with those who loved Lilie.

“We continue to stand with the James family in their grief,” the school’s statement read.

“This one-year anniversary will be a challenging period for our community, especially as it falls during the HSC and IB examination period for many of those students most affected.

“We are focused on supporting our students, staff, and families now, and into the future and are very grateful to the broader community for the deep care the school has received.”

It is understood the school will conduct a closed prayer meeting for parents and teachers, while students will be left to focus on the ongoing HSC, international baccalaureate and Year 10 exams.

St Andrew’s Cathedral School has paid tribute to Lilie, one year after her horrific murder.

At a memorial for Lilie last year, her father Jamie gave a touching tribute to his daughter’s kind and vivacious spirit.

“She was an independent, vibrant young woman who was always on the go and lived each day to the fullest,” he said.

“Even with her busy schedule, she always still made time to support her brother Max, her friends and her family.”

Do you have a story for The Daily Telegraph? Message 0481 056 618 or email [e-mail]

Originally published as Lilie James remembered one year after her horrific murder