Five years after the tragic death of Sarah Everard, her mother, Susan Everard, has shared a heartfelt tribute reflecting on her daughter’s impact on the world. In a piece for Vogue, Susan fondly remembered Sarah’s love for travel, dancing, and her keen sense of humor, as well as her strong moral values.
Sarah, who was captured by Vogue at V Festival in 2010, was described by her mother as thrilled to be featured in the magazine’s street fashion series. Susan expressed her mixed emotions, saying, “It was 2010 when the photograph was taken, and although it is bittersweet, I love seeing her happy and beautiful, with her whole life ahead of her.”
Describing Sarah’s adventurous spirit, Susan shared that her daughter had recently graduated, returned from travels to various parts of the world, and was already planning her next adventures. She highlighted Sarah’s curiosity about the world and her commitment to living a meaningful life with integrity and kindness.
Susan fondly recalled Sarah’s thoughtfulness, dependability, and strong principles, emphasizing her daughter’s loving and caring nature. She expressed missing Sarah’s sense of humor, her talent for dancing, and their shared moments of exchanging recipes.
In a touching tribute, Susan concluded by stating, “She added to the beauty of the world.” Her words came as Sir Mark Rowley, Britain’s top police official, commended the Everard family for their remarkable dignity in the face of unimaginable grief on the fifth anniversary of Sarah’s untimely death.
Sarah Everard, aged 33, was brutally raped and murdered by a serving Metropolitan Police officer who deceived her into believing she was being arrested for breaching COVID lockdown rules while walking home in south London in March 2021.
Reflecting on the tragedy, Sir Mark acknowledged the profound betrayal of trust that Sarah’s murder represented, describing it as a violation of her, her loved ones, and the public’s trust in law enforcement. He expressed deep regret for the harm caused and the damage inflicted on the relationship between the police and the community.
The perpetrator, Wayne Couzens, was sentenced to life in prison following his trial, during which Susan Everard’s impactful statement led to the exposure of another predator within the police force. Subsequent reviews highlighted systemic issues within the Metropolitan Police, leading to a commitment to reform and address misconduct.
Efforts to overhaul the Met have seen significant disciplinary actions taken against officers and staff, with ongoing initiatives to improve safety and trust in the capital. Public figures, including London Mayor Sadiq Khan and Minister Jess Phillips, have pledged to support initiatives to combat violence against women and ensure a safer environment for all.