Police are waiting to interrogate the drama teacher who survived the cliff fall tragedy that claimed the life of a 15-year-old girl, once he is declared physically and mentally fit, Times of Malta has learnt. Erin Tanti, a 23-year-old actor and drama teacher, has been discharged from Mater Dei Hospital and is now undergoing psychological evaluation, police sources said.

The tragedy unfolded when Mr Tanti and his student Lisa Marie Zahra arrived at Dingli Cliffs in the early hours of March 19.

A missing persons report had been released that day and police were later tipped off that a man was seen calling for help at the foot of the cliffs.

St Michael’s Foundation had no indication of any incidents, on, or off the school premises, leading up to this tragedy

Mr Tanti was airlifted to Mater Dei where he was treated at the Intensive Therapy Unit.

Police sources said his injuries were “compatible with a fall from a substantial height”.

Ms Zahra was not so lucky and her body was lifeless by the time help arrived.

Police had already informally questioned Mr Tanti right after the incident as, under the Criminal Code, it is an imprisonable offence to “assist” a person to take their own life, even if both parties intended to suffer the same fate.

Ms Zahra’s funeral, which had been postponed after the court held back from releasing the body pending investigations, will now be held tomorrow at the Carmelite church in Valletta at 2pm.

Ms Zahra’s school, which until yesterday had preferred not to comment, released a statement insisting it was not aware of “any incidents” that could have led to the tragedy.

St Michael’s Foundation, which employed Mr Tanti as a supply teacher (who stepped in to replace another teacher), expressed sincere condolences to the Zahra family noting that Ms Zahra had been a student at St Michael’s from the age of 11.

The foundation, members of staff, fellow students and parents were in grief at her loss and she would be greatly missed, the school said.

“St Michael’s Foundation strictly adheres at all times to all procedures, rules and regulations stipulated by law in engaging its teachers and ensures all teachers have the necessary approvals from the authorities.

“The school works very closely with teachers, students and parents alike on a day-to-day basis. St Michael’s Foundation had no indication of any incidents, on or off the school premises, leading up to this tragedy.”

Given the sensitivity of the subject and the fact that there was an magisterial inquiry on the circumstances leading to Ms Zahra’s death, the foundation said it would not engage in speculation.

“The foundation calls on all members of staff and students to cooperate fully with the authorities.  Respect for Ms Zahra’s memory requests nothing short of that.”

The school also sent a letter to parents assuring them that during this past week it had worked to support those affected by the tragedy.

The school was supported by a team of psychologists and the Directorate of Quality and Standards in Education. Sessions were organised for fifth formers and others were being planned to address the lower forms.

A letter was also sent to parents of the senior school with ideas on how to support their children at a difficult time.

Additional reporting by Sarah Carabott.