The head of a Surrey college who was found dead with her husband and daughter on school grounds studied here in Leeds.
Emma Pattinson, the headmistress at Epsom College, a prestigious private school, was found on the grounds of the school in the early hours of Sunday morning by the South East Coast Ambulance Service. The bodies of her husband George, and her daughter Lettie, were also found on the school grounds around 1.10am.
The death of Emma Pattinson, whose LinkedIn page says she studied at Leeds University between 1995 and 1999, was confirmed by Surrey police. Police, who discovered the three bodies, say at the moment, the deaths appear to be an "isolated event" and nobody else was involved.
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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.”
Epsom College called the deaths shocking, tragic and unbelievable. 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.”
Surrey Police say there is currently a significant police presence at the location, and the surrounding area. The deaths have also been reported to the coroner.
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