In a podcast published weeks before the family’s bodies were discovered on school grounds, the headmaster of Epsom College indicated that the family had endured a “great deal of change.”
Emma Pattison, 45, her husband George, 39, and their seven-year-old daughter Lettie were discovered dead by police shortly after 1 a.m. yesterday.
Surrey Police stated that the tragedy is thought to be a “isolated incident” with “no third-party involvement.”
Ms. Pattison, who only became the first female principal of the £42,000-per-year private school five months prior, revealed in December that her family was undergoing “really big changes” that included professional transitions, a move, and the acquisition of a new puppy.
Ms. Pattison indicated in a podcast episode given by students and released soon before Christmas that she, George, and Lettie were experiencing significant change.
She revealed that in addition to her and her husband’s new career endeavors, they also adopted a six-month-old Labrador named Bella.
In terms of transformation, my family has experienced a significant change. We’ve relocated and purchased a puppy,’ she told the Epsom Insight hosts.
There has been a great deal of change for our family: I have a new job, my husband has a new job, which wasn’t supposed to happen, but it did, and my daughter has started a new school.
George was a chartered accountant and the director of Tanglewood 2016, a management consulting firm.
Ms. Pattison remarked, ‘It has been fantastic. The college has been incredibly helpful and everyone has been incredibly nice.
The school principal, who appeared pleased with her new position, had also praised Epsom College on Twitter.
In one of her last social media messages, written in October of last year, she praised the school’s recent honors.
‘Wow! What an honor, wrote Ms. Pattison. We are ecstatic to be named Independent School of the Year.
Epsom College is an award-winning independent day and boarding school that teaches more than 850 boys and girls between the ages of 11 and 18 for an annual fee of £42,000.
Ms. Pattison assumed her post in September of last year, after serving in a similar capacity for over six years at Croydon High School in south London.
The Pattison family resided in the administrator’s residence on school grounds.
The community of Epsom College appeared to recognize Ms. Pattison’s contribution to the institution, claiming that she had a significant role in the institution’s recent triumphs.
Sheena, a mother who only provided her first name, told BBC News: ‘During her tenure as principal, she turned the school around and did so much to enrich the lives of the students.
She was petite but incredibly formidable; she knew every student by name. She was exactly what one would want in a principal.
The award-winning independent day and boarding school instructs about 850 11- to 18-year-old boys and girls.
In October, the Boarding Schools Association recognized the private school as “a shining example of the best of independent education.”
Epsom won two honors, including the “Student Wellbeing” and “Independent School of the Year” accolades.
Ms. Pattison referred to the win as “an incredible honor” and added, “We focus on time, space, and heart and spirit to provide all the young people in our care with everything they need to become the best versions of themselves – in the classroom, on the sports field, and in any field of interest that ignites that spark”
“There is so much incredible work to be recognized in the industry right now, so it is a true honor to be named the best of the best. I am tremendously honored to serve as Head, and we will proudly exhibit this accolade.’
Dr. Alastair Wells, chair of the Board of Governors at Epsom College, remarked upon learning of Ms. Pattison’s passing, “Emma was a fantastic teacher, but above all, she was a delightful person. We will eventually honor Emma and her family in an appropriate manner, in accordance with their wishes.
However, for the time being, we ask that we be given the time, space, and dignity necessary to come to grips with this sad loss.
Yesterday evening, the school website was modified and currently shows Paul Williams as acting headmaster.
In a statement released last night, a police spokeswoman confirmed the tragedy, stating, ‘In the early hours of Sunday morning, Surrey Police was contacted by the South East Coast Ambulance Service to attend a residence on the Epsom College premises.
“Around 1:10 a.m., when officers arrived, they discovered the dead of three persons, including a kid.
“We can confirm that the bodies discovered were those of Emma Pattison, 45 years old,” Head of Epsom College, her seven-year-old daughter Lettie, and her 39-year-old husband George.
The family’s next-of-kin have been notified and are receiving assistance from specialized authorities.
“An inquiry is being conducted to determine the circumstances behind their deaths. At this time, the police are satisfied that this is an isolated occurrence with no involvement from a third party.’
Detective Chief Inspector Kimball Edey expressed his condolences to Emma, Lettie, and George’s friends and family, as well as the students and faculty of Epsom College, for their awful loss.
“I want to assure you that a comprehensive inquiry will be conducted into the events of last night, and I hope that we can bring some serenity to these tragic circumstances. Please respect their privacy during this extremely difficult time.
Epsom and Ewell’s Borough Commander, Inspector Jon Vale, stated, ‘We are conscious that this terrible tragedy has caused anxiety and distress in the local community.
While it is thought that this is an isolated event, our local police will remain in the area in the following days to reassure students, parents, teachers, and the local community. I would like to thank the school and community for their patience and understanding while the investigation is ongoing.
The Coroner has been informed of the three deaths.
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