Teacher, 39, dies on sixth-form trip to Rwanda

Benedict Moore-Bridger, Evening Standard

29.07.08

A teacher has died of a suspected heart attack during a school trip to Africa.

Maths teacher James Rosser collapsed with severe chest pains in front of sixth formers in Rwanda.

Mr Rosser, 39, from Ashcombe School in Dorking, Surrey, was taken to hospital after falling ill late on Saturday, but doctors were unable to resuscitate him and he died the following day.

Today pupils and staff paid tribute to the teacher, with flowers and messages of support laid outside the school gates.

Pupil Amy Boules wrote: "Rest in peace sir. You always called others legends- . . but you are the true legend. Never forgotten. xxx"

Two other pupils, Rachel Hulcoop and Roz Ellis, said: "One in a million. Thank you for always making us laugh. We will never forget you. Rest in peace."

Staff at the school have set up a book of condolence.

Mr Rosser, who lived alone in a flat in Reigate, was on a trip with 12 sixth formers aged 16 and 17. Friends said he was extremely overweight, but did not have any other obvious health problems.

The comprehensive school's deputy headmaster Peter Thompson said: "The whole community will be shocked to learn of the loss of this charismatic assistant headteacher who will be sorely missed by all who knew him."

Janet Housden, chairman of governors, added: "His firm and decisive manner in dealing with discipline for Years 10 and 11 was balanced by his great sense of humour and an ability to relate easily to students of those age groups. He will be greatly missed by all whose lives have been touched by him.

"Governors commend the excellent manner in which school staff - both those in Rwanda and those at school - have managed this distressing situation, and have given priority to the wellbeing of the students."

The Ashcombe School is a specialist language college which offers several trips abroad to pupils.

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