The family of 19-year-old PC Jess Turnbull have expressed their profound grief following a ceremonial police funeral held in her honour at Newcastle Cathedral on Friday. Jess died after being struck by a car while responding to a collision on June 10, just months after joining Northumbria Police last September, following in the footsteps of her father.
Funeral Service and Tributes
The public-facing funeral was led by the Ceremonial Unit, including a band of pipes, with officers from the Mounted and Roads Policing Units. Police from across the country were represented, with stand bearers lining the route to the cathedral. The Lord Lieutenants of Tyne and Wear and Northumberland attended to pay their respects. A private service followed at the West Road Crematorium for those closest to Jess.
Her parents, Janice and Andy Turnbull, said: 'On behalf of our family, we would like to express our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has supported us following the devastating loss of our beautiful and brave daughter Jess. Throughout the most difficult time of our lives, we have been overwhelmed by the kindness, compassion and support shown to us.'
Investigation Ongoing
The investigation into the collision continues. A 73-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving, later further arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, and remains on police bail.
The family thanked the City of Newcastle, the Dean and everyone at Newcastle Cathedral for helping celebrate Jess's life. They also expressed gratitude to their 'police family' and the wider policing community, stating: 'The full ceremonial honours afforded to Jess and our family were incredibly moving and provided great comfort during an unimaginably difficult time.'
Jess's Passions and Legacy
Football was one of Jess's greatest passions, and her family thanked their 'Blue Star family' for their love and support. Jess's name has been added to the Northumbria Police memorial at the Wallsend headquarters. Her family is fundraising in her memory, asking for donations to Care of Police Survivors or Live Life Give Life.
Chief Constable Vanessa Jardine said: 'Jess made the ultimate sacrifice in serving our communities and it was an honour to be able to recognise her commitment and dedication to public service with a full ceremonial policing funeral. I would like to thank everyone who helped to ensure today’s ceremony could go ahead.'
She added: 'Each and every day, police officers across the country face danger to protect us all. Today, therefore it also seems incredibly poignant to recognise and remember their service and dedication. Jess and the sacrifice she made will never be forgotten.'
