Rosie Long, a first-year English Literature student at Durham University, has died in a tragic accident. Her family, the community, and the nation are still reeling over the loss. Rosie, the granddaughter of Princess Diana’s uncle and a second cousin to Prince William and Prince Harry, was discovered dead at her family home. The awful find was made in Norton, Wilts. Her mother, Philippa, and older sister, Agatha, allegedly discovered her passed out on top of a gun with extensive cranial damage.
Emergency services were called to the scene, where they confirmed Rosie’s death at 1:22 PM. The county coroner, Grant Davies, held an inquest into the circumstances of her death. Post-mortem examination by Dr. Harry Haynes at Great Western Hospital. He concluded Rosie’s cause of death was a gunshot wound to her skull.
Authorities have said that Rosie’s death is no longer being treated as suspicious. Mr. Davies remarked on the findings, saying, “Police attended and have deemed the death as non-suspicious and there was no third-party involvement.” In the wake of their tragic loss, this conclusion has offered the devastated family at least a measure of consolation.
Rosie’s family released a heartfelt tribute through the Yorkshire Post, describing her as a “darling daughter of Hugh and Pippa, incredible sister to Archie and Agatha, Granddaughter to Derek and Rae Long.” The tribute paid homage to her influence and the loss her untimely passing has caused to those who had the pleasure of knowing and loving her.
Professor Wendy Powers, Principal of Durham’s University College, expressed the institution’s sorrow over the loss. She said that staff and students were “devastated” by Rosie’s “tragic” death. She talked about the enormous impact Rosie had on the university community during her brief time with us.
The inquest into Rosie’s death has been postponed. It’s next scheduled to take place on October 25, providing investigators with additional time to piecemeal together the details related to this tragic event. The family is going through a very difficult time. Words of support from their friends and the public serve to lift them by recalling the love and admiration so many shared with Rosie.
