A 19-year-old police officer died after being struck by a car while attempting to close a road following a previous collision, an inquest has been told.
Officer Jess Turnbull, of Northumbria Police, sustained severe injuries and passed away two days later in hospital, the opening of the inquest in Morpeth, Northumberland, was informed.
Her parents, Janice and Andy, who is a former police officer, were present at the hearing. The coroner stated that Officer Turnbull and a colleague were dispatched to a two-vehicle crash involving a silver Land Rover Freelander and a white Ford Explorer on the A189 near Cramlington at 11:11 p.m. on June 8.
Officer Turnbull exited the marked police vehicle and was in the process of closing the road around 11:34 p.m. She was positioned in the carriageway near the front of her vehicle when another car collided with the parked police car, resulting in her being hit, the coroner said.
First responders provided treatment at the scene before she was transported to the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle, where she died on June 10. A post-mortem examination has been conducted, and investigations are ongoing.
The full inquest hearing has been adjourned to January 11, though this date may be subject to change.
Northumbria Police reported that the driver of a Mercedes CLC, aged 73, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and has since been released on bail.
Officer Turnbull joined the force in September. In a tribute released after her death, her parents described her becoming a police officer as one of her proudest achievements. They stated she loved serving her community, was proud to wear the uniform, and that following in her father's footsteps was a lifelong dream. They emphasized that policing was a calling for her, driven by a deep care for helping people and making a difference, approaching each day with enthusiasm, compassion, and professionalism.
The young officer had been responding to reports of a collision between a silver Land Rover Freelander and a white Ford Explorer. The Ford had left the road, and the occupants of the Land Rover had fled the scene on foot before police arrived. No injuries were reported from the initial crash.
Assistant Chief Constable Helena Barron of Northumbria Police expressed condolences to Officer Turnbull's loved ones and all affected. The Force's Serious Collision Investigation Unit has launched an investigation and is seeking witnesses, particularly those traveling in the area at the time or possessing dashcam footage.