A teaching assistant’s tragic death has led to the closure of a school for her funeral. Angela Shellis, a 45-year-old mother, was discovered deceased near football fields in Prestatyn on October 24. Her son, Tristan Thomas Roberts, 18, has been charged with her murder and is awaiting trial next year. Ms. Shellis worked as a teaching assistant at Rhyl High School, where Headteacher Philip Collins praised her as a dedicated and compassionate individual.
The funeral for Ms. Shellis is scheduled for December 12, prompting the school’s closure on that day to allow staff to attend the service, as reported by North Wales Live. In a letter to parents, Mr. Collins announced the closure and stated that students will be able to access online work through Google Classrooms. Additionally, students eligible for free school meals will have the option to receive a grab bag of food from the school site.
Mr. Collins acknowledged the potential impact on families needing childcare on the day of the closure but expressed gratitude for their understanding and support during this difficult time for the school community. Remembering Ms. Shellis as a cherished team member, he expressed deep sorrow for her loss and extended sympathies to her family and friends. An inquest into her death revealed that she succumbed to a blunt force head injury, with her family describing her as a beloved daughter, sister, mother, and aunt who will be dearly missed.