The community of Swindon has been left in profound shock and mourning following the death of local mother Sarah Forrester, who was found dead in the Moredon area on Friday evening. Sarah, described by those who knew her as a devoted parent and a compassionate advocate for mental-health support, has become the focus of tributes from friends, colleagues, and community members who say her loss leaves a deep and painful void.
Wiltshire Police confirmed that officers were called to Moredon at around 7 p.m. on Friday after receiving reports of disorder. Upon arrival, emergency services discovered the body of Sarah Forrester, who was in her early 50s. Details surrounding the circumstances of her death have not yet been publicly released, but authorities have launched a formal investigation.
In the immediate aftermath, police arrested a 13-year-old girl on suspicion of murder. The teenager was taken into custody for questioning before being released on bail while enquiries continue. Officers have emphasized that the investigation remains active and are appealing for anyone with relevant information to come forward. The arrest and the young age of the suspect have added to the community’s distress, raising questions and concerns that many hope will be clarified as the inquiry progresses.
Among the organisations most deeply affected is the Kelly Foundation, a Swindon-based charity where Sarah had been an important part of the team. The foundation, which supports adults facing mental-health struggles, released an emotional statement commemorating her life and acknowledging the magnitude of their loss.
“Sarah was completely committed to the charity and devoted to her two young children,” the foundation said, describing her as a deeply valued colleague whose contributions were central to their mission. “She was pivotal in the work that we do here at the Kelly Foundation, and her loss is a hugely traumatic event—not just for us and her colleagues but more especially for her children and family.”
Colleagues recalled Sarah as someone whose warmth and personality made her indispensable both professionally and personally. “Sarah was an incredible person—kind, thoughtful, considerate, caring, and funny—and she embodied everything that we hope our charity is and can be,” the statement continued. “She enjoyed her role with us and we all loved working with her. She will be truly, truly missed.”
Those who worked alongside Sarah described her as someone who consistently went beyond what was expected, whether in her professional commitments or in her life as a mother. She is remembered for her empathy, her dedication to helping vulnerable adults, and her ability to bring comfort, humour, and humanity into difficult situations.
Residents in Moredon and the wider Swindon community have also expressed their condolences, sharing messages of support for Sarah’s family and emphasizing the tragic nature of her passing. Many have highlighted the devastating impact her loss will have on her young children, who were often mentioned by Sarah’s colleagues as a source of joy and pride.
As the investigation continues, Wiltshire Police have maintained a presence in the area and are working to piece together the events leading up to Sarah’s death. While details remain limited, officials have assured the public that they are pursuing all leads and are committed to establishing the full circumstances of what happened.
For now, the community grieves the loss of a woman widely regarded as compassionate, dedicated, and deeply admired. As tributes continue to appear online and within local organisations, there is a collective sense of sorrow—and a hope for clarity and justice in the days ahead.
