The headteacher of an exclusive private school has been found dead alongside her husband and seven-year-old daughter on the grounds of the school. Police rushed to Epsom College, in Surrey, after being called by ambulance services at roughly 1am on Sunday.
Here, officers discovered the bodies of Emma Pattison, 45, her daughter Lettie, seven, and her husband George, 39. Tributes to Ms Pattison described her as a "delightful person" and "wonderful teacher", the Mirror reports.
Epsom College, which has 850-students and costs £45,000-a-year to attend, was recently crowned Independent School of the Year in 2022. Mr Pattison, who was made headteacher in September 2022, was said to have had a "distinguished career".
An investigation has been launched by police to determine the circumstances surrounding the deaths, however they believe it is an isolated incident with no third-party involvement. Specialist officers are currently working to support the family's next-of-kin.
Authorities say the local community has been left devastated by the tragedy and confirmed that officers will remain in the local areas in the coming days.
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. The Chair of the Board of Governors at Epsom College described their "disbelief" and "utter shock" at the devastating news.
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. There is currently a significant police presence at the location, and the surrounding area, and we would like to thank the local community for their understanding while our officers continue their investigation."
In her last Twitter post, Emma celebrated the school's most recent award with a glass of champagne and a friend. She wrote: "Wow! What an honour. We're thrilled to be Independent School of the Year."
Later she wrote: "It gets better every time I read it! @EpsomCollegeUK is Independent School of the Year 2022! Thank you to all @isotyawards!"
In an email sent by Dr Wells to parents at the school, he said the College would come together this morning at the usual time.
It read: “Chapel services will take place throughout the morning; Housemasters, housemistresses and the head of lower school will be on hand to offer immediate support and comfort; and we will have additional counsellors on site for any member of the community - pupils and staff - who needs to talk, grieve or be supported.”
In a statement, the school said: "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.
"Our thoughts, condolences and sympathies are with their families at this tragic time."
The school added: "The College is working with the police in what remains an ongoing investigation. We must now focus on the welfare and wellbeing of our pupils and staff, and work to ensure that they receive all the comfort, warmth and support required from the Epsom College community."
The college also added: "We ask that the public and the media respect the privacy of Emma's family, and help us to prioritise the needs of our pupils. 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."
Mrs Pattison was named as Epsom's first female head in September 2022. Before this, she spent six years as headteacher of Croydon High School in south London. Pupils boarding at the college pay more than £42,000 a year, with former students including Conservative MP Sir Michael Fallon, broadcaster Jeremy Vine and comedian Tim Vine.
Over 850 boys and girls attend the school 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. In December, she told pupils she had bought a Labrador named Bella after moving to the school grounds.
Emma told the school's podcast: “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.”
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