The husband of Epsom College headteacher Emma Pattison died from a 'shotgun wound to the head', an inquest has been told. George Pattison, 39, was found dead along with Mrs Pattison and their seven-year-old daughter on February 5.
Mr Pattison is believed to have murdered his 45-year-old wife and their daughter, Lettie, before killing himself. The three were found dead at their home within the grounds of Epson College.
Coroner Simon Wickens opened the inquest into Mr Pattison's death by expressing his condolences to Rachel Pattison, George's sister. Mr Wickens said: “I would like to offer my deepest sympathies not only to Rachel but to George’s wider family at this difficult time.”
Mr Pattison’s post-mortem examination was carried out by Dr Ashley Fegan-Earl at East Surrey Hospital three days after the shooting, coroner’s officer Kelly Truss told Surrey Coroner’s Court. The cause of Mr Pattison's death was given as a "shotgun wound to the head".
Following their deaths, Mrs Pattison and Lettie’s loved ones said: “To see the esteem in which Emma is held by all who knew her is an enormous comfort. She was everything one could hope for in a daughter, sister, mother, wife, friend, teacher and so much more. We are an extremely close family and family was at the centre of Emma and Lettie’s universe.
“The Epsom College community had become part of that universe for them both. Seven-year-old Lettie was Emma’s pride and joy: an adorable, vibrant little girl with a compelling curiosity, a heart-melting smile and an intellect beyond her years.
“The two of them were inseparable and we take comfort in that they will remain so.
“Emma had a warm, welcoming smile and sparkling, blue eyes, full of optimism. Over the last 11 days, we’ve noticed the sky has been bright blue, with at times a warm glow of pink.”
Mr Pattison owned a legally registered firearm. Surrey Police has previously said it was found at the scene. However, live ammunition is understood not to be kept at the school's rifle range.
Mr Wickens fixed a date for a pre-inquest review hearing on June 27.
