Mother's Heartfelt Tribute to Sarah Everard Five Years After Tragic Murder
Susan Everard has penned a deeply moving tribute to her daughter Sarah, remembering how she "added to the beauty of the world" in a piece for British Vogue marking the fifth anniversary of her death. The tribute reflects on Sarah's vibrant personality, her love for adventure, and the profound loss felt by her family and friends.
A Life of Adventure and Principle
In her emotional essay, Susan Everard recalls her daughter's passion for travel, which took her across continents including South America, South Africa, and Nepal. She describes Sarah as someone who was "interested in the world around her and made the most of life", highlighting her recent graduation and plans for future adventures at the time a Vogue photograph was taken of her at V Festival in 2010.
"It was 2010 when the photograph was taken and, although it is bittersweet, I love to see her, happy and beautiful, with her whole life ahead of her," Susan wrote. "It was a golden time when she had recently graduated and was back home from travels to south-east Asia and already making plans for future adventures."
Remembering Sarah's Character
The tribute vividly portrays Sarah Everard's character: a thoughtful, dependable, and highly principled young woman with a great sense of humor and talent for dancing. Susan reminisces about small, cherished moments like swapping recipes with her daughter, emphasizing the depth of their bond.
"I miss the goodness of Sarah: she was thoughtful and dependable and highly principled," she wrote. "Most of all, she was a loving and caring young woman; her many friendships are a testament to her lovely nature. She added to the beauty of the world."
Police Response and Institutional Failures
The tribute was published as Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley acknowledged the family's "extraordinary dignity in the face of unbearable grief". Sarah Everard, 33, was raped and murdered by serving police officer Wayne Couzens on March 3, 2021, after he falsely arrested her for breaking Covid lockdown rules.
Sir Mark stated: "Sarah Everard should still be here. Five years have passed since her senseless and devastating murder. What happened to her was a profound betrayal: of her, of her family and loved ones, and of every person who places their trust in policing."
Couzens received a whole-life jail term in September 2021. The case exposed significant institutional failures within the Metropolitan Police, leading to two damning reviews:
- Baroness Louise Casey's March 2023 report found the Met was institutionally racist, misogynist, and homophobic
- Dame Elish Angiolini's February 2024 inquiry concluded that police forces could and should have prevented Couzens from becoming an officer
Ongoing Reforms and Political Responses
Sir Mark has spearheaded efforts to reform the Met, with 1,500 officers and staff dismissed or departed over the past three years. However, political leaders acknowledge more work is needed to restore public trust and ensure safety for women and girls.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan stated there is "much more work to do" to make women feel safe in the capital, while Jess Phillips, Minister for Safeguarding and Violence Against Women and Girls, pledged to "do everything I can to ensure women and girls can live free from fear and harm."
The tragic case also led to the exposure of another predator within police ranks, with one of David Carrick's victims coming forward after being inspired by Susan Everard's powerful victim impact statement.
