A 22-year-old woman who had recently secured her "dream" job as a detective with Northumbria Police died in a multi-vehicle crash on the A1 in Northumberland on Sunday, just weeks before she was due to begin training.
Erin Bennett, a recent criminology and psychology graduate, was described by her family as a "caring, thoughtful, and wonderful" woman who was excited about her future. Her loved ones said their "world has been shattered beyond belief" in the wake of the tragedy.
Family Tributes to Erin Bennett
In a statement, her family said: "Erin Bennett was the most amazing beautiful woman and our whole world has been shattered beyond belief. Erin was not only a big sister and daughter, she was also our best friend."
"She lit up the room with her contagious smile and was loved by everyone. She was the most caring, thoughtful, wonderful woman and was so excited about her future after gaining her degree in criminology and psychology."
"She had recently got her dream job in Northumbria Police and was about to start her training to become a detective. She loved her family and was a massive part of it. Losing Erin has left a huge hole that can never be filled. Please respect our family’s privacy at this awful time."
Boyfriend's Tribute
Erin's boyfriend Craig added: "Erin you are the most beautiful, amazing and loveable girlfriend in the world. You lit up the room anytime you walked in with your beautiful smile and your charm."
"You were the light of my life, and I will always hold you in my heart. I love you always and forever my love."
Investigation Underway
Northumbria Police's Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU) has launched a full investigation to determine the circumstances of the collision. Witnesses are being urged to come forward, and officers are keen to hear from anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage of the moments leading up to the incident.
Sergeant Greg Huntley, of Northumbria Police, said: "We will continue to offer the family all the support they need and would ask that their privacy is respected at this time."
"We are continuing to appeal for further information and for anyone with dashcam footage of the vehicles involved to come forward. If you were travelling in either direction on the A1 around the time of this collision, any information you are able to provide could prove important to our ongoing enquiries."
Anyone with information or footage can contact police by sending a direct message on social media, using live chat or report forms on the website, or by calling 101 quoting reference number NP-20261018-0441.
Previous Crashes on the Same Stretch
The collision is the latest on the same stretch of road. In May and June this year, six people were killed on the road in three separate crashes just weeks apart. Following those incidents, ChronicleLive launched a campaign called "Dual the A1 and save lives", working with politicians, business leaders and community groups to demand dualling of the A1 in Northumberland.
