SMASH TRAGEDY 

Heartbroken parents pay tribute to ‘beautiful’ cop, 19, who died after being hit by car while attending another crash

THE family of a hero cop killed in the line of duty today paid tribute – and revealed she had followed in her dad’s footsteps to join the police.

PC Jess Turnbull, 19, died after being struck by a car when she stopped to deal with a road traffic accident.

Jess was on duty last Monday when she attended a two-car smashCredit: NNP
 
Jess’ parents have since paid a heartbroken tribute to their daughterCredit: Northumberland Police
Her parents Janice and Andy Turnbull said Jess – who was their only child – was their “greatest pride and our greatest joy”.

They said: “As a family, we are utterly devastated by the loss of our beautiful daughter, Jess, who tragically died following a road traffic collision at just 19 years old.

“Jess was our only child, and from the moment she came into our lives she brought happiness, laughter, and love into every day.

“The hole she leaves in our lives is impossible to put into words.

“Jess and her mum, Janice, shared a bond that was truly special. They were not only mother and daughter but best friends.

“They loved spending time together, whether that was shopping, chatting for hours or simply enjoying each other’s company. The shared countless memories that Janice will treasure forever.

“From a young age, Jess was full of energy, determination, and kindness.
“She loved sport and spent much of her childhood playing football and competing as a swimmer.

“Her passion for helping others was evident even then and she later volunteered her time coaching young children in football, encouraging them to believe in themselves and enjoy the game she loved so much.

“Jess recently found happiness with her boyfriend Dan. They had been together for a year and were inseparable.

“Whether they were out making memories or simply spending time together, they did everything side by side. Jess adored Dan, and he brought so much joy to her life.

“One of Jess’ 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.

“Jess touched the lives of so many people during her short life. She was caring, funny, determined, and fiercely loyal to those she loved. She had an infectious smile and a way of making everyone feel valued and welcome.

“While our hearts are broken, we are incredibly proud of the remarkable young woman Jess became. We will miss her every single day, but we will carry her love, her spirit, and our memories of her with us forever.

“We would like to thank everyone for the overwhelming kindness, support, and condolences we have received during this unimaginably difficult time. Knowing how much Jess was loved and respected has brought us comfort.

“Jess was, and always will be, our greatest pride and our greatest joy.”
Jess only joined Northumbria Police, the same force her dad served with, last September when she became a front line response officer.

She was on duty on Monday last week in a marked patrol car when she attended a two-car smash.

The occupants in one vehicle fled over nearby fields but as Jess was dealing with the aftermath a black Mercedes unconnected with the initial collision hit her.

Paramedics and other officers raced to the scene on the A189 ‘Spine Road’ near Cramlington in Northumberland.

She was rushed to hospital but doctors were sadly unable to save her.
The driver of the Mercedes, a man aged 73, was arrested for causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

The charge will now be reviewed in the light of her death.

Northumbria Chief Constable Vanessa Jardine last week paid an emotional tribute and said: “She was a dedicated and committed officer, who always sought to do her best to keep her communities safe.”

Officers continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision and have appealed for anyone with information to come forward.

CRE: https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/39418945/parents-tribute-cop-killed-crash/