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Head Of Private School And Her Family Found Dead
The headmistress of an English private school and her family’s remains were discovered dead, and the school has requested “time and space” to grieve “these devastating circumstances.”
The South East Coast Ambulance Service discovered Epsom College principal Emma Pattison (45), her husband George (39), and their daughter Lettie (seven) on the school’s grounds early on Sunday morning.
The prestigious school, which was named independent school of the year in 2022, requested privacy in a statement late on Sunday night as the school community processed the tragic news and the death of its head.
“It is with the deepest sadness and regret that we have to announce the news of the deaths of Emma Pattison, Head of Epsom College, her daughter Lettie, and her husband George,” the school said.
“Our thoughts, condolences, and sympathies are with their families at this tragic time.”
Before this, Surrey Police stated that it was an isolated event and that no outside parties were involved.
The college is collaborating with the police in this ongoing investigation, the school continued. We must now focus on the welfare and wellness of our learners and staff, and try to ensure that they receive all the comfort, warmth, and support required from the Epsom College community.”
The institution finished its statement by requesting that the public and the media respect Emma’s family’s privacy and work with us to put the needs of our students first.
“The news is heartbreaking and we need time and space to come together and process these shocking events. No further statement will be issued at this time.”
Police said the family’s next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers while an investigation is now underway to establish the circumstances of their deaths.
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.
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.”
Surrey Police said the three deaths have been reported to the coroner. 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, appropriately, 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.”
Boarding students at the college pay more than £42,000 a year and its alumni include Conservative MP Sir Michael Fallon, broadcaster Jeremy Vine and comedian Tim Vine. Epsom College won the top prize at the Independent Schools of the Year Awards 2022, with judges calling it a “beacon of excellence”.
The school was also named the winner of the Student Wellbeing Award at the October ceremony thanks to its “whole-school approach to mental health and the wellbeing of both its staff and pupils”.
More than 850 boys and girls attend the school, which was founded in 1853, and its acting head has been listed as Paul Williams.
Mrs. Pattison’s husband George was a chartered accountant who was the director of a management consultancy firm called Tanglewood 2016, according to Companies House.
