A schoolgirl was tragically found dead the day before she was due to have her first-ever detention, an inquest has heard.
Caitlyn Scott-Lee, 16, received a detention after alcohol was found in her locker, Buckinghamshire Coroner's Court heard on Monday. The girl, who is believed to have taken her own life, was found dead at Wycombe Abbey school in Buckinghamshire on April 21 last year.
Her father Jonathan Scott-Lee, a senior banker, told the inquest that Caitlyn was a "daddy's girl" and loved spending time with him. He said: "I took care of her, dressed her, cuddled her, fed her, and soothed her.
The Year 11 student received a detention after alcohol was found in her locker (Family handout)"As she grew as a toddler, there would be bitter-sweet moments where she would stand by the window of our home and cry as I left for my daily commute. Little did she know I would return each evening."
Mr Scott-Lee said his daughter, like him, was autistic. "It is a myth that people with autism don’t have much emotion," he said. He said their feelings were "amplified" as they are "internal".
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"Caitlyn was so much more than autism, Wycombe Abbey, and detention," he said. He told the inquest he had looked through a photo album after her death.
He said: "I saw photos of Caitlyn obtaining her scuba diving licence at age 10 in the Philippines, playing tennis in Scotland, modelling in Singapore, camping in Wales, riding helicopters in New Zealand, skiing across Japan, honing rifle marksmanship in Birmingham, driving at age 13 at Mercedes Brooklands, and hiking the Great Wall of China. Even I was surprised at how full a life Caitlyn lived in 6,041 days."
The inquest heard that staff began to search for Caitlyn after she failed to return in time for curfew at her boarding school accommodation on April 21. She was then found in a secluded area of the school.
Jonathan Scott-Lee said he does not blame the school for his daughter's deathBefore the inquest began, Mr Scott-Lee said he was "happy to support the legal process" and stressed he did not blame the school for his daughter's death. He told The Times: "I can't understand why people think a grieving parent might be angry with the school.
"In reality, I feel they would have done the best they could. I don't think any teacher sets out to want to kill a child, but events like this can happen during someone's career. I feel sympathy for the head teacher and house mistress, who has such a warm heart. Also for the other 650 students who must be having a horrendous time. I've a lot of sympathy for other people affected by this.
"I don't want to become one of those people who processes grief in an angry way. I'd much rather continue my life and do my best going forward." Days after the girl's death, Caitlyn's parents released a website dedicated to the talented teenager, whose passions included photography and nature, as well as the environment.
The touching tribute was to "celebrate a beautiful life", and on the site, they said: "Caitlyn passed away at Wycombe Abbey School, on Friday 21st April 2023. Caitlyn was a well loved member of the Wycombe Abbey community and had a particular passion for the theatre, arts, music, and the environment.
"Caitlyn was gifted with autism and had an ability to see the world uniquely and thrive at her boarding house. The school community, friends, and family are grieving her loss but we are comforted in her personal relationship with Jesus Christ."
If you're struggling and need to talk, the Samaritans operate a free helpline open 24/7 on 116 123. Alternatively, you can email jo@samaritans.org or visit their site to find your local branch.
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