‘I’ve wasted three years of my life’: troubling note left by missing computer scientist who feared bad exam results

A desperate couple are trying to find their “shy” student son who has gone missing after getting a disappointing degree result. 

Samuel Trussler, 20, finished his computer science course at Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge this summer.

He disappeared from the family home in Bookham, Surrey last Wednesday and left a note which read: “I didn’t finish. I’ve wasted three years of my life.”

His father Stuart, 51, a banker, and mother Annette, 54, have alerted police and topped up his bank account and mobile phone – but he has not used either.

Mrs. Trussler, a teaching assistant, said: “He left the house on Wednesday lunchtime and left a note saying he had an appointment at the university as he hadn’t done very well in his degree.

“There’s not been a major row but he is under pressure to perform as some of his siblings have in the past.

“His brother got a first in computer science from the University of Plymouth. He would have felt under pressure to do as well as him. His sister did veterinary science.

“He is very quiet. We didn’t even know what he was expecting to get, we just wanted him to tell us how he was doing and his dad said if he hasn’t done as well as he had hoped, tell us.”

The family have found themselves unable to find out exactly how their son has performed because the university are refusing to tell him his results.

His mother added: “Because of data protection, the university won’t tell us how he has done.

“But they told us that it was only one module he has done badly in and he can retake in the summer. It’s not the end of the world.

“I don’t know how he is going to cope as he doesn’t have financial support – we have put money in his bank and topped up his phone but he hasn’t used either.

“I don’t have to know where he is, I just need to know that he is safe. He’s not streetwise, and I’m very worried about him.”

The couple say they hope Samuel is with a friend in Cambridge but added that the “shy” student didn’t have many friends.

Jon Green, press officer at Anglia Ruskin University, said: “We’re obviously incredibly concerned for Samuel’s welfare and hope that he makes contact with his friends and family very soon.

“The Students’ Union, which is in regular contact with students throughout the summer, has publicised the appeal from Samuel’s family on its Facebook and Twitter channels.”

Samuel’s brother, Matthew Trussler, 23, has also appealed for information on Twitter, urging anyone who might know of his brother’s whereabouts to contact him.

Samuel is described as 6ft 2in with light brown hair, blue eyes and glasses. On the day he went missing, he is thought to have been wearing a greenish winter Parka coat, rucksack, greenish baggy trousers and a blue denim short-sleeved shirt.

Surrey Police said Samuel’s disappearance had been reported to them and officers are carrying out various checks and searches.

If anyone knows of Samuel’s whereabouts they are urged to call Mrs Trussler on 01372 457885 or the Missing People organisation on 020 8392 4590.