A 19-year-old police officer, Pc Jess Turnbull of Northumbria Police, was honored with a full guard of honor at her funeral after succumbing to injuries sustained while on duty. She died on June 10, two days after being hit by a car.
The incident occurred on June 8 in Cramlington, Northumberland, as Pc Turnbull responded to a two-car collision involving a silver Land Rover Freelander and a white Ford Explorer on the A189. An inquiry revealed that the young officer had exited her marked police vehicle around 11:34 p.m. to set up a road closure. While standing in the carriageway near her vehicle, another motorist collided with the parked police car, striking Pc Turnbull, according to coroner Andrew Hetherington.
Police and paramedics provided immediate treatment at the scene before Pc Turnbull was transported to the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle, where she passed away. She had joined the force in September, and her parents, one of whom is a former police officer, noted that becoming a police officer was one of her proudest achievements. They described her as someone who loved serving her community, was proud to wear the uniform, and saw policing as a calling, approaching each day with enthusiasm, compassion, and professionalism.
Funeral Honors
The funeral procession made its way to Newcastle Cathedral on Friday, led by horses, pipers, and motorcycle outriders. An honor guard of officers, carrying flags from various UK forces, lined the route. Scores of uniformed officers filled the square outside the cathedral as the cortege proceeded through the city center, which had been closed for the event. Pipers played "Amazing Grace" as Pc Turnbull's coffin, draped in a Union flag, was carried into the church by uniformed officers. Her police hat was placed atop the coffin as it was brought through the main door, passing dignitaries including Northumbria Chief Constable Vanessa Jardine, who offered a salute.
Pc Turnbull's parents, Janice and Andy, followed the coffin into the church, accompanied by numerous family members and officers. The parade into the cathedral was led by seven pipers and a lone drummer, followed by four officers on horseback.
Investigation and Arrest
Northumbria Police reported that a 73-year-old driver of a Mercedes was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. The driver has since been released on bail. Officers from the Force's Serious Collision Investigation Unit have launched an investigation and are seeking witnesses and dashcam footage from anyone who was in the area at the time of the incident. The initial collision reported involved a silver Land Rover Freelander and a white Ford Explorer. The Ford reportedly left the road, and the occupants of the Land Rover fled the scene before police arrived; no injuries were reported from that initial crash.
The full inquest hearing was adjourned by Coroner Andrew Hetherington last month to January 11, with the possibility of changes to that date. Assistant Chief Constable Helena Barron of Northumbria Police stated that the force's thoughts were with the officer's loved ones and all affected by the incident.