Grieving colleagues of a pregnant teacher found dead at her home are struggling to come to terms with the loss of their ‘lovely, kind and considerate’ co-worker.
Marelle Sturrock, who worked at Sandwood Primary School in Glasgow, was discovered at her flat on Jura Street after she failed to turn up for work on Tuesday morning.
The 35-year-old’s death is being treated as ‘suspicious’ by police who are understood to be carrying out searches to trace her partner, David Yates, 36. Headteacher Fiona Donnelly has now paid tribute to Marelle and her dedication to the school and its pupils.
She said: “Marelle has been a much-loved member of our school community since her probationary year more than six years ago and has taught many year groups throughout her time at the school.
“We will all miss her so much. She was a lovely, kind, diligent and considerate person who loved and made time for everyone.
“Marelle used her artistic talents across the school and was our music champion who has been a key player in the success of our school choirs; with one of her classes going to see her on stage at The King’s in one of her many acting roles outside of school.
“We are a school community in mourning and are devastated by the tragic news of her death and pass on our deepest condolences to her family and friends as we all come to terms with our loss.”
Marelle was originally from Wick, Caithness, but moved to Glasgow when she was 17 to pursue a career in the performing arts. Her former amateur dramatics club, Wick Players, have paid tribute to the popular thespian whose “talent shone through”.
They said: “Marelle was an active member of Wick Players from when she was a young teenager, she was a great asset to the group and she was a very talented young lady both with her singing and her acting.
“Some people have a light that shines from within, and Marelle’s talent shone through that aura and she followed her dream by doing drama and music studies at university.
“It is tragic that her young life has ended too soon but we at Wick Players will always love and remember her as one of our family. We extend our deepest sympathy and condolences to her family.”
Another tribute on social media from Angie Campbell Mackay read: “Our whole community in Wick is shocked at the tragic loss of Marelle and child. Our thoughts are with her parents, sisters, brother in laws, extended family and friends at this horrendous time.”
Officers from Police Scotland were seen swarming woodland at Mugdock Country Park on Tuesday and Wednesday with dog units and a helicopter drafted in to search.
Investigators say this is in connection with the search for a missing man and that it is linked to the death of Marelle.
Detective Chief Inspector Cheryl Kelly said: “Our thoughts are with Marelle’s family and friends, as well as everyone affected by this tragic incident.
“We are providing her family with support at this incredibly difficult time as our investigation to establish the full circumstances continues. A visible police presence will remain at both locations as our work continues.
“There is not believed to be any risk to the wider public but I would urge anyone with information or concerns to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident 0904 of 25 April or speak to any of our officers.”
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