Epsom College tragedy: Haunting last posts of headmistress found dead alongside husband & daughter, seven, at school
THE headmistress of Epsom College tweeted about her love of the school before being found dead on the grounds with her husband and daughter.
Cops found the bodies of Emma Pattison, 45, her daughter Lettie, seven, and her husband George, 39 at the £42,000-a-year private school in Surrey at 1am today.
Emma was appointed the school’s first-ever female head in September last year.
And in her haunting last post before her death on Twitter, she told how the school had won a prestigious award after she took the helm.
Alongside a smiling picture of her celebrating with champagne she wrote: “Wow! What an honour. We’re thrilled to be Independent School of the Year.”
Emma had previously spoken about her life at the school in a podcast presented by students.
She revealed to pupils in December that the family had bought a labrador, named Bella, to live with them within the school grounds.
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.”
The school community has now been left reeling at the “traumatic” loss.
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.”
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.”