Marlborough College physics instructor dies after being hit by HGV whereas crossing a busy street
A physics teacher at Marlborough College was killed after being hit by an HGV while crossing a busy road.
Jonathan Genton was knocked down on the A4 Bath Road close to the College and was pronounced dead at the scene shortly after.
Mr Genton, who was in his 60s, worked as an Academic Consultant at the £59,000 per year College, which The Princess of Wales previously attended.
Prior to taking up his consultancy role, he was Head of Science at Marlborough having also taught Physics and Astronomy. He was still teaching courses in Physics and Astrophysics at the College’s summer school.
He was also actively involved in events at the Blackett Observatory, which is located next to the College and is a key facility for the study of astronomy by pupils.
Mr Genton started working at the College in 1987 and was well known for his passion for astronomy and the sciences, writing widely on both subjects.
Emergency services including two air ambulances were called to the fatal incident just outside Marlborough at 10.4am on Thursday 4 December.
A Marlborough College spokesperson said: ‘We are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Jonathan Genton, a long-standing member of our staff.
Jonathan Genton (pictured left) was knocked down on the A4 Bath Road close to the College and was pronounced dead at the scene shortly after
Emergency services including two air ambulances were called to the fatal incident just outside Marlborough at 10.4am on Thursday 4 December
Tributes to Mr Genton have been left at the scene with Marlborough College describing him as a ‘respected and beloved member of the College community’
‘Jonathan was a respected and beloved member of the College community, and his loss is felt across our staff and alumni.
‘We extend our sympathies to Jonathan’s loved ones, family and friends through this devastating time.’
The spokesperson added that a memorial service will be held for Jonathan at the College in the New Year.
Following the fatal accident, Wiltshire Police said in a statement: “A man has sadly died following a collision on the A4 in Marlborough this morning (04/12).
‘At around 10.40am, we received a report that a pedestrian, a man in his 60s, had been involved in a collision on the carriageway with a lorry travelling eastbound on the A4 Bath Road, near the junction with Golding Avenue.
‘The man was sadly declared dead at the scene. Enquiries are ongoing to establish his next of kin.
‘The driver of the vehicle stopped at the scene. No arrests have been made.’
Wiltshire Coroners Court said that an inquest into Mr Genton’s death has not been opened as yet.
Wiltshire Police added: ‘Any witnesses to the collision or anyone who may have dash cam footage is asked to contact the Serious Collision Investigation Team on 01225 694597 quoting log 107 of today’s date.’
Earlier this year, the physics department at Marlborough College suffered another loss as teacher John Wright hanged himself after being sacked for ‘inappropriate conduct’ during an exchange trip to Malaysia.
It’s understood that Mr Wright was sacked following allegations that his behaviour was inappropriate during the trip during the spring half term holiday.
John Wright was a physics teacher at Malborough College for ten years. He took his own life on November 3 after he was sacked by the college following an investigation into his conduct
Marlborough College, where fees are around £60,000-a-year, is one of the most prestigious independent schools in the country which numbers Kate Middleton among former pupils
The 54-year-old was found by his distraught wife Rachel at the family home in the early evening of November 3 having apparently taken his own life.
An inquest into his death opened last month at Wiltshire Coroners Court and gave his cause of death as asphyxiation with compression of the neck structures by a ligature.
It’s understood Mr Wright’s bereaved family are unhappy with the disciplinary experience he went through.
A source close to the family said: ‘The way John was treated was outrageous.’
Mr Wright lived with his wife and two children just a ten-minute walk away from the college, which is the UK’s largest co-educational boarding school attended by around 1,000 domestic and international pupils.
The Princess of Wales boarded at Marlborough College between 1996 and 2000 before studying at St Andrews university where she met and fell in love with Prince William.
There has long been speculation that Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis are also being lined up to attend their mother’s alma mater.
The college is located in the heart of the historic market town of Marlborough and charges fees of close to £60,000 per year.
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