The headmistress of Epsom College, EMMA Pattison, was discovered dead at the institution on February 5 of this year.
Police officers found her remains, along with those of her husband and daughter, about one in the morning.
Who was Emma Pattison?
The elite Epsom College in Surrey, with annual tuition of £42,000, was led by 42-year-old Emma.
Among the school’s former students are Jeremy Vine and Nicholas Witchell.
Both a “great instructor” and a “delightful” person, Emma has received praise from others.
The “traumatic” loss has left the school community in convulsions.
In September of last year, Emma was named the school’s first female head of faculty.
In December, she told the students that the family had purchased a labrador puppy named Bella to live with them on the school premises.
She said: “In terms of transition it’s been a really big change for my family. We’ve moved house – we’ve bought a dog.
“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.”
Dr Alastair Wells, Chair 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.”
Who is Emma Pattison’s husband George?
Little information about her 39-year-old husband George has so far come to light.
They had a 7-year-old daughter named Lettie, whose body was discovered beside her parents in a house on the college’s campus.
How was Emma Pattison killed?
Although the cause of Emma Pattison’s death is unknown, authorities think it was an isolated event with no outside help.
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.”
The three deaths have been reported to the coroner.
