Epsom College death updates — Tributes pour in after headmistress Emma Pattison and family found dead at school | The Sun
TRIBUTES have poured in after Emma Pattison, the headmistress of Epsom College, and her family were found dead on school grounds.
Her body, along with those of her husband and daughter, was discovered by cops at around 1am on February 5.
Emma Pattison, 45, became the headmistress of the £42,000 per-year private school in September of last year.
Tributes have poured in, with Dr Alastair Wells, Chair of the Board of Governors at Epsom College, saying: “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."
- Henry Moore
Emma Pattison's final social media post
Emma Pattison's final social media post saw the much-loved headmistress share an award won by her school, Epsom College.
Alongside a smiling picture of her celebrating with champagne, she wrote on Twitter: “Wow! What an honour. We're thrilled to be Independent School of the Year.”
She later added: "It gets better every time I read it. Epsom College is school of the year."
- Henry Moore
Emma Pattison discussed joining Epsom College
Upon joining the prestigious school as headmistress last September, Emma Pattison spoke of the transition her family experienced.
She 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.”
- Henry Moore
Who was Emma Pattison's husband George?
George Pattinson was a chartered accountant, born in March 1983.
He was director of a management consultancy firm called Tanglewood 2016.
He assumed his role on October 26, 2016, according to Companies House.
George and wife Emma lived on the grounds of Epsom College, with their daughter Lettie and pet Labrador, Bella.
- Henry Moore
Who are Epsom College's most notable alumni?
Epsom College has educated an impressive list of famous faces:
Hollywood actor Stewart Granger
Hollyoaks actress Ciara Janson, who played Nicole Owen on the soap
ITV journalist Jonathan Maitland
BBC North America editor Mark Mardell
TV and radio presenter Jeremy Vine and his brother comedian Tim Vine
And BBC journalist Nicholas Witchell.
- Henry Moore
School governor pays tribute to Emma Pattison
Dr Alastair Wells, Chair of the Board of Governors at Epsom College has paid tribute to the "wonderful" Emma Pattison.
He 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."
- Henry Moore
Where is Epsom College?
The college is located in the Epsom Downs in Surrey.
Its aim was initially to provide accommodation for pensioned medical doctors or their widows and to provide a "liberal education" to 100 sons of "duly qualified medical men".
The foundation stone was laid on July 6, 1853.
Almost two years later, on June 25, 1855, the college was formally opened by Prince Albert and his son, the future King Edward VII.
Fees for the prestigious school cost up to £42,000 per year.
- Henry Moore
What is the cause of death?
The cause of death for Emma, her husband and their daughter is yet to be confirmed.
Police have said no third party is thought to be involved.
Live updates will be posted via this blog.
- Henry Moore
What have the police said?
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.”
While Inspector Jon Vale, Epsom and Ewell’s Borough Commander, added: “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.”
- Henry Moore
Who is Emma Pattison's husband George?
Little, so far, has come to light about Emma's 39-year-old husband George.
His body was found alongside Emma and her daughter Lettie in a property on the grounds of the college.
- Henry Moore
Who was Emma Pattison?
Emma, 45, was the head of the prestigious Epsom College in Surrey, where fees cost up to £42,000 a year.
Jeremy Vine and Nicholas Witchell are among the school’s alumni.
Emma has been described as a "wonderful teacher" and "delightful" person.
The school community have been left reeling at the "traumatic" loss.
Emma was appointed the school’s first-ever female head in September last year.
She revealed to pupils in December that the family had bought a Labrador, named Bella, to live with them within 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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