Emma, George and Lettie Pattison.Photo: John Wildgoose/Epsom College
The husband ofEpsom College’s headteacher Emma Pattisondied of a shotgun wound to the head, a UK inquest into his death has heard.
George Pattison, 39, is believed to have killed his wife and their daughterLettie, 7, before killing himself.
The bodies of all three were discovered in the early hours of Feb. 5 at their home on the grounds of the prestigious private school in Surrey, south of London.
The examination took place three days after the shooting and the cause of death was described in the hearing as a “shotgun wound to the head,“The Timesstated Wednesday.
John Wildgoose/Epsom College
Coroner Simon Wickensopened the inquest with a statement, saying “I would like to offer my deepest sympathies to George’s wider family at this difficult time.”
Inquests into the deaths of Emma Pattison and Lettie will be held separately.
The deaths have rocked the close-knit community. Pattison had only been the head teacher of the elite private school since September of 2022, according to her personal Twitter account. She was thefirst female head of the school, which was founded in 1855, the BBC confirmed.
Stefan Rousseau/PA Images via Getty Images
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The family of Emma and Lettie Pattison paid tribute to their loved ones in amessage shared on Surrey Police’s website.
“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.”
Epsom College posted a statement on its Twitter account the day after the deaths, saying the news was “shocking and tragic”.
The inquest continues.
source: people.com
