Tributes after Edinburgh teacher dies in freak accident

Lynsey Haycock, 41, who was originally from Edinburgh, broke her leg after falling while attempting to hang a wall display in her classroom at Forge Valley High School in Sheffield and later died of complications in hospital.

Staff and pupils at Forge Valley School have expressed their devastation following the shock death of the science teacher who leaves behind a husband and two children in Yorkshire.

Her parents, Kenneth and Catherine Arnot, said they were too upset to comment from their home in Perth.

Former co-workers joined former and current pupils in paying tribute on social media.

Posting on Facebook, former colleague Helen Stokes said: “RIP Lynsey. Worked with her at a previous school. Much love to her family and friends.”

Another, Adele Logan, described the teacher’s death as “dreadful news”. She added: “Worked with her at Horizon. RIP. Thoughts with her husband and children.”

Aneela Shah, who also used to work with Mrs Haycock, wrote: “Gone too soon. Was a true professional and lovely woman.”

Gail Watts said the teacher was a “lovely lady”, adding: “My thoughts and prayers are with all her family and friends at this sad time.”

Fiona Topliss described her as a “lovely lady with a beautiful family”, while Kirsty Elizabeth Perry said: “RIP Lynsey, Miss Arnott as I knew her. My deepest sympathies to her family.”

Forge Valley headteacher Dale Barrowclough described the teacher as “warm-hearted with a great sense of humour”.

“Mrs Haycock was a much loved and respected teacher whose dedication and hard work helped improve the life chances of all the pupils who were fortunate to have her as a teacher,” he said.

“We all came to know Mrs Haycock as a very warm-hearted person with a great sense of humour.

“Not only was she treasured by staff she was much loved by the pupils at Forge Valley.

“As a community we are devastated by this tragic death and our thoughts are with Mrs Haycock’s family and friends during this very difficult time.”

A spokesman for Sheffield Council confirmed the death in a short statement.

“Mrs Haycock broke her leg when she was putting up a display in her classroom,” he said.

“She was later taken to hospital where she died of her associated injuries.”

There aren’t thought to be any suspicious circumstances surrounding the incident.

The Health and Safety Executive confirmed initial  inquiries into the accident were taking place, but said a comment was unlikely to be made until after the inquiry had concluded its findings.