Tributes paid to Vincent Le Goascoz

Tributes have been paid to a popular teacher at Fairfield High School who has died at the age of 35.

Vincent Le Goascoz taught languages at the Horfield school, with a statement on their website saying that “the Fairfield community is all deeply saddened”.

Vincent was last seen on Redcliff Street at about 1.30am on Saturday morning after spending time at Toto’s bar next to the Floating Harbour. His disappearance prompted a large search until a body was found by police divers on Wednesday morning at Redcliff Quay.

Fairfield acting principal Edel Cronin said that staff and students are “grappling with the loss of a remarkable teacher, colleague and friend”.

She said: “Vincent left an indelible mark on both students and colleagues alike, despite only joining us last September.

“His smile, relentless positivity and optimism never wavered. Vincent’s classroom was a wonderfully fun and joyful environment full of learning, filled with laughter, and enthusiasm for his passion for modern foreign languages.

“He readily embraced school life to the fullest, including joining a camping trip within his first month of being in the school, his focus was always on bringing joy and creating space for our students to have the best memories of their school experience.

“Beyond the classroom, Vincent was committed to inclusivity and being an ally for minority communities, he dedicated himself to facilitating lunch clubs and building relationships with staff and students outside of the classroom.

“The void left by Vincent’s untimely passing is immeasurable, and we extend our deepest condolences to his partner Emily, his family and friends.

“His legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched, and the school will forever be grateful for his contributions to education, diversity, and the spirit of adventure.

“We miss you Vincent, but we will do our best in the coming days to channel some of your light.”

Vincent Le Goascoz had worked as a teacher at Fairfield High School since September

A crowdfunder set up by Vincent’s girlfriend, Emily Cooper, has raised more than £14,000 in less than 24 hours to pay for the repatriation of Vincent to his native France and for funeral costs, with any excess funds donated to a diabetes research charity.

“I am bereft at the loss of my best friend, my companion, my lover and my world,” Emily wrote.

“Vince passed away after falling in the river in the early hours of Saturday 2nd December. He was found 5 days later by the incredible diving team who searched tirelessly to bring him home…

“We want to give Vince the best send off he could wish for and any remaining money will be used to help memorialise him the way he would love.

Vince is just the most incredible human anyone could ever meet. This is shown by just how many people have reached out to help find him.

“Friends and family have rushed to be in Bristol from France to help with the search. Vincent would be so overwhelmed with this response and touched with how much love he has in his life.

“Vincent has been passionately teaching in the UK for nine years, working as a secondary school language teacher. A job he absolutely loved with all his heart.

“Vince and I were moving in to our new flat together on the 20th December. Something that we had been planning and excited about for a year.

“We were planning our first Christmas, having our own cheeky little munchkins, getting married and moving to France in years to come.

“I am lost, and bereft. My Vince has gone, our future has gone. So for now what I am focused on is to make sure that Vince gets home and have the funeral that he would want.”

Main photo courtesy of Emily Cooper

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