A teenage police officer who suffered catastrophic injuries after being struck by a car while on duty was attempting to close a road following a previous collision, a coroner has revealed. Pc Jess Turnbull, 19, of Northumbria Police, was rushed to hospital but could not be saved, the opening of an inquest in Morpeth, Northumberland, heard.
What Happened on the Night of June 8?
Coroner Andrew Hetherington outlined the circumstances of her death, stating that Pc Turnbull and a colleague were dispatched to an earlier two-vehicle collision on the A189 near Cramlington at 11.11pm on Monday, June 8. At around 11.34pm, Pc Turnbull got out of the marked police vehicle and was implementing a road closure. She was standing in the carriageway near the front of her vehicle when another motorist collided with the parked police car, resulting in Jess being hit, the coroner said.
Police and paramedics treated her at the scene before she was taken to the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle, where she died on Wednesday, June 10. A post-mortem examination has been carried out, and police investigations are ongoing. The coroner adjourned the full inquest hearing to January 11, though that date may change.
Driver Arrested and Bailed
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 pending further inquiries.
Tribute from Her Parents
Pc Turnbull, who joined the force in September 2025, was described by her parents, Janice and Andy – a former police officer – as someone who absolutely loved serving her community. In a tribute, they said: '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.'
The young officer's parents attended the brief hearing held by Coroner Hetherington.
