Devastated staff at school where Marelle Sturrock taught struggling to come to terms with death of ‘lovely’ colleague
DEVASTATED staff are struggling to come to terms with the death of their "lovely" colleague after her body was found at her home.
Marelle Sturrock, 35, was discovered on Tuesday at the flat in Glasgow she shared with partner David Yates, 36.
The mum-to-be was found dead at her home after worried colleagues called cops when she didn’t show up for school, neighbours revealed.
In an update, police confirmed they were treating the death as suspicious and said they were supporting Marelle’s family.
Following the tragic body find, officers sealed off parts of Mugdock Country Park in Milngavie, around nine miles away, as they hunted Marelle’s partner.
He is currently being treated as a missing person.
Marelle was a "beloved" primary school teacher at Sandwood Primary in Glasgow.
A flag outside the school building is flying at half-mast.
And floral tributes have been left outside her home in the city, one of the notes read: "I will miss you loads".
Headteacher Fiona Donnelly released a tribute today following the devastating news, saying Marelle was a "lovely, kind and considerate person".
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She told how Marelle, who studied musical theatre, used her artistic talents across the school and was a key player in the success of school choirs.
And she revealed staff are struggling to come to terms with the loss of their much-loved colleague.
The touching tribute read: “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 in one of her many acting roles outside of school.
“We are a school community in mourning and are devastated 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.”
Marelle is understood to have left the Highlands when she was 17 to study musical theatre in Glasgow.
She later pursued her career as a teacher.
Devastated parents of pupils yesterday paid tribute to her on social media following the tragedy.
Sharon Lang wrote: “She taught our children picked them up when they fell encouraged them & taught them to believe in themselves, it’s devastating she never got the chance to do the same with her own wee baby.”
Leona Irvine wrote: “Absolutely heartbreaking such a beautiful soul.
"Thank you for teaching our children”
Joanne Zoch said: “My daughter’s favourite teacher from primary school, such a kind and wonderful teacher. So sad.
“My love to all the family and all the staff at Sandwood primary.”
Annemarie Simpson said: “Absolutely heartbreaking the loss of two precious lives.
“Thoughts and prayers go to her family at this unimaginably awful time.”
Detective Chief Inspector Cheryl Kelly said: “Our thoughts are with Marelle’s family and friends, as well as everyone affected by this tragic incident.
“We are providing her family with support at this incredibly difficult time as our investigation to establish the full circumstances continues.
“A visible police presence will remain at both locations as our work continues.
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“There is not believed to be any risk to the wider public but I would urge anyone with information or concerns to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident 0904 of 25 April or speak to any of our officers.”
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