Emma Pattison: School principal found dead in her academy's grounds along with husband and daughter
SURREY, UNITED KINGDOM: The principal of a famous private school was found dead under mysterious circumstances alongside her young daughter and husband on school grounds. On Sunday morning, February 5, the dead bodies of the head of Epsom College, Emma Pattison, 45, her husband George, 39, and seven-year-old daughter Lettie were discovered at the Surrey school.
Law enforcement is currently looking into the matter. However, Surrey police believe that the incident is an isolated one, with no third parties apparently involved. The authorities were called to the school at 1 am on Sunday.
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The school which was founded in 1853, consists of more than 850 students, including both male and female and some of the notable alumni from the education institution are British politician Sir Michael Fallon, TV personality Jeremy Vine and comic Tim Vine.
What did the school authorities say?
"On behalf of everyone at Epsom College, I want to convey our utter shock and disbelief at this tragic news," said Dr. Alastair Wells, chair of the board of governors at Epsom College, according to BBC 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."
Dr Wells also sent emails to parents stating that both the staff and the students would have access to counseling due to the tragedy. George, Emma's husband, was a chartered accountant and also a director of a management consultancy business known as Tanglewood 2016, as stated on the Companies House site.
What did the authorities say?
"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," Detective Kimball Edey of Surrey police has said.
"We’re aware that this tragic incident will have caused concern and upset in the local community," Inspector Jon Vale, Epsom and Ewell’s borough commander, said. "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," he said, signing off.