Who is Marelle Sturrock’s fiance David Yates?
THE sudden death of heavily pregnant teacher Marelle Sturrock in Glasgow has left a community in mourning.
Police Scotland has launched an urgent search to find the tragic 35-year-old teacher’s fiance 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 work.
In an update, cops confirmed they were treating the death as suspicious and said they were supporting Marelle’s family.
Following the body find, detectives 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.
Who was Marelle Sturrock?
Marelle was a “beloved” primary school teacher at Sandwood Primary in Glasgow.
Devastated school staff were struggling to come to terms with the death of their “lovely” colleague after the tragic find.
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”.
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.
Who is David Yates?
David Yates performed in a heavy metal band called Nocturne Wulf before quitting in 2020 to “focus on family”.
Speaking on the decision to step away from music, he said: “I made the difficult decision to step down as the singer. It will be sad news for some people, maybe other people will be elated.
The musician went on to reveal he was receiving furlough during the pandemic and kept himself busy with volunteer work.
He added: “My heart just wasn’t really in the band and at that level where it needed to be.
“I love music, I love performing. I do various different things outside the band.
“I wanted a puppy more than I wanted to be in the band, I wanted a family more than I wanted to be in a band.
“I still want to do all of those other musical things. The other guys are so committed to this project and for me to come in with anything less than 100 per cent is not fair on them.”
Marelle and fiance David also created a social media community for fellow singers and actors to showcase their talents online.
The couple launched their own open musical showcase on a Facebook page that racked up more than 1,600 followers.
Hundreds of budding stars posted video clips during lockdown and beyond and attracted kind words of encouragement from the duo.
Marelle and David shared a love of the stage and screen and even starred together at the King’s Theatre and other venues around Scotland.
In one notable post, in August 2020, kind-hearted Marelle wrote: “Hello everyone!! Just a reminder that you can post a video or go live if you fancy sharing your music.
“So many talented individuals in this group so please feel free to perform or support those brave enough to share their talent.”
A blurb about their venture added: “We thought we’d open the group up to anyone who wants to perform live, share some pre-recorded performances, or even some new material.
“Anyone can use this space as a safe, fun and supported platform to get their music out there whatever that may be.”
What happened to Marelle Sturrock?
On Tuesday 25 April officers raced to a property on Jura Street on the outskirts of Glasgow.
Officers found the body of a 35-year-old woman inside the home.
Police locked down the area as the house was taped off and forensics officers in white suits were pictured outside.
Cops said the death is being treated as unexplained as they launched their investigation.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “We were made aware of concern for a woman at a property on Jura Street in Glasgow shortly after 8.40am on Tuesday, 25 April.
“Officers attended and the body of a 35-year-old woman was found within.
“Her death is being treated as unexplained and enquiries are ongoing.”
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