A TEACHER who died on the first day of the Easter holidays had an epileptic seizure before drowning in the bath, an inquest heard.

Nina Von Eichstorff, an assistant head at Oxford Academy, was found dead in her home in Southfield Road, Oxford, shortly before 8pm on Saturday, March 28.

Oxford Coroner’s Court heard yesterday that the 51-year-old, who had previously not suffered an epileptic fit for at least five years, was found face-down in the bath by friend Ted Colman. The taps were still running.

Nominated as her next of kin, Mr Colman, 58, told the inquest: “I have known Nina for around 35 years.

“On Saturday she picked me up from my home and we went together to the gym. We had plans in the evening to go for a meal and had arranged to meet at 7.15pm.”

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When Miss Von Eichstorff did not show at the bus stop in Iffley Road, Mr Colman attempted to contact her before cycling to her house and letting himself in with a spare key.

He said: “The lights were off and it was really hot in the house. I went and turned off the heating in the kitchen.

“It was then that I heard the radio in the bathroom.

“When I entered I could see Nina lying face-down in the bathtub.”

A postmortem report by Professor Ian Roberts revealed signs of scalding from the hot water and bite marks implying an epileptic seizure.

Beaumont Street GP Dr Chloe Borton noted in Miss Von Eichstorff’s medical history that she was diagnosed with Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy (JME) in 1980, experiencing seizures over the next 15 years.

Her last documented episode was in 1995 and at a meeting in January, Miss Von Eichstorff and her doctor had discussed dropping her medication.

But Mr Colman said he believed she had had a fit at the school five years ago, and partially-used medication was found in her home.

Coroner Darren Salter recorded a verdict of accidental death, after determining that she fell into the bath and drowned during an epileptic seizure.

He added: “Nina had had no evidence of fits in recent years, which makes it all the more tragic that she should have a fit at that particular moment.

“She was obviously a very popular and committed teacher at the school as well. It does seem a great loss.”

Oxford Academy headteacher Niall McWilliams said: “Nina is missed a great deal and will constantly be. She leaves a long lasting legacy.

“She was an excellent teacher and well-respected by staff, parents and students.”

In keeping with students’ wishes, a small ceremony was held in Miss Von Eichstorff’s memory and a cherry blossom tree has been planted in front of the school in Sandy Lane West.

Mr McWilliams added that an award in her name is planned for the future.