A 19-year-old police officer who died after being struck by a vehicle while on duty was closing a road following an earlier crash, a coroner has confirmed. PC Jess Turnbull, serving with Northumbria Police, sustained catastrophic injuries and died in hospital, the opening of an inquest in Morpeth, Northumberland, was told.
Fatal Incident on A189 Near Cramlington
Coroner Andrew Hetherington detailed that PC Turnbull and a colleague were dispatched to an earlier two-vehicle crash on the A189 near Cramlington at 11.11pm on Monday, June 8. She exited the marked police vehicle and was establishing a road closure at approximately 11.34pm. She was positioned in the carriageway near the front of her vehicle when another driver collided with the stationary police car, resulting in Jess being hit, the coroner stated.
Officers and paramedics attended to her at the scene, and she was transported to the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle, where she died on Wednesday, June 10.
Post-Mortem and Police Investigation
Mr Hetherington confirmed a post-mortem examination has been completed. Police inquiries are ongoing into the events of that night. He postponed the full inquest hearing to January 11 but indicated that date may alter. Northumbria Police previously confirmed that a 73-year-old Mercedes driver was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and has been bailed.
Tribute from Parents
PC Turnbull had only joined the force in September. In a tribute issued following her death, her parents, Janice and Andy – himself a former police officer – remarked: "One of Jess's proudest achievements was becoming a police officer. She absolutely loved serving her community and was incredibly proud to wear the uniform. Following in the footsteps of her dad, Andy, was something she had always dreamed of doing, and seeing her achieve that ambition filled us both with immense pride. Policing was not just a job to Jess, it was a calling. She cared deeply about helping people and making a difference, and she approached every day with enthusiasm, compassion and professionalism."
