Pregnant teacher pictured smiling with friends hours before she was found dead
A heavily pregnant primary school teacher was pictured smiling with friends just hours before she was found dead at home.
Marelle Sturrock, 35, was discovered at her flat in Glasgow shortly after 8.30am on Tuesday.
Police Scotland said her death is being treated as suspicious, with officers also searching for a man nine miles away at the Mugdock Country Park, just outside the city in East Dunbartonshire.
Colleagues are believed to have raised the alarm after she failed to turn up for work or answer the door.
Marelle, an aspiring actress and singer who became a teacher after completing her postgraduate diploma in education, posted the photo on Sunday.
It shows her enjoying a meal out with pals and was shared the night before she mysteriously died.
In a letter to parents at Sandwood Primary School where she worked, headteacher Fiona Donnelly said: ‘It is with deep sorrow that I must inform you about the sudden death of Ms Sturrock who is a beloved member of our teaching staff.
‘I know that this will come as a shock to our school community, and we will do all that we can to support children, staff and families through what will be a difficult and challenging time.
‘We have had support in school today from our educational psychologists who will be here over the next few days to offer help and advice.
‘I hope that you will understand that there are no other details that I can share at this time but wanted to let our families know the tragic news from the school.’
Friend Alec Nicholson remembered Marelle as a ‘kind’ and ‘talented’ person.
Speaking to the Mirror, he paid touching tribute to ‘an exceptionally beautiful human’.
‘I mean, of course anyone would say that about someone whose loss they’re mourning, but she really was incredibly special. So beautiful, so talented, but so kind,’ he said.
‘She really was the very last person anyone could ever want to come to harm. Just a lovely, lovely girl.’
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.’
She added there was ‘not believed to be any risk to the wider public’ but anyone with information or concerns should contact police on 101.
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