A beloved school water polo coach, who was killed by her former partner at an exclusive Sydney school will be farewelled at a heartfelt ceremony on campus today.
Lilie James, 21, was found dead in the gym bathroom at St Andrew’s Cathedral School in Sydney’s CBD shortly after midnight on October 25.
A memorial service to honour Ms James will be held at Danebank Anglican School for Girls, which will be lifesteamed into St Andrew’s Cathedral.
Hundreds of staff and students are expected to attended the Friday service, with family the calling for privacy and access for media restricted.
Ms James’ death sent shockwaves through the school community with principal Dr Julie McGonigle telling parents in a letter of the “horrors of evil”.
The water polo coach was reportedly beaten to death with a hammer, with the grim discovery sparking a widespread search for the culprit.
Only days later, police located the body of sports coach Paul Thijssen off cliffs at Vaucluse in Sydney’s eastern suburbs along with his belongings.
Ms James is understood to have broken up with her 24-year-old co-worker, who was seen on CCTV leaving the gym, only days before her death.
The pair are believed to have dated for about five weeks, with the death reigniting concerns about femicide in Sydney and the safety of women.