THE family of a pregnant teacher who was found dead in Glasgow have paid tribute to the “happiest person you could ever meet”.
Colin and Lorna Sturrock, the parents of Marelle Sturrock, also revealed that at the time of her death she was expecting a young boy who would be called Jayden.
In a statement issued through Police Scotland, they said: “We are devastated following the deaths of our daughter, Marelle, and soon to be grandson, Jayden Sturrock.
“Marelle was the happiest person you could ever meet and was always looking to help others the best she could.
“Marelle and her partner doted on each other, and this incident has come as a total shock to all who knew her.
"We would like to thank family and friends, colleagues at Sandwood Primary School, Police Scotland officers, both in the Highlands and Glasgow, for their efforts and comforting support following our tragic event.
“Our family would like everyone, including the press, to respect our privacy at this very sad and difficult time."
Marelle Sturrock, 35, died at a property on Jura Street, Glasgow, around 8.40am on Tuesday, 25 April, 2023.
A police search for her partner, David Yates, concluded after his body was pulled from Mugdock Reservoir, north of Glasgow.
Officers said that while Yates’s death was not being treated as suspicious, Marelle’s death was the centre of a murder probe.
The headteacher at Sandwood Primary School in Glasgow, where Sturrock worked, said the community had been “devastated” by the news of her death.
Fiona Donnelly 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 [Theatre] in one of her many acting roles outside of school.
“We are a school community in mourning and are devasted 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.”
Sturrock was from Wick, Caithness, but moved to Glasgow when she was 17 to pursue a career in the performing arts.
She became a primary school teacher after completing a postgraduate diploma in education.
