A police constable who tragically died while on duty in Northumberland this week has been remembered by her former headteacher as someone who 'always wanted to make a difference'. PC Jess Turnbull, aged 19, sustained fatal injuries after being hit by a car in Cramlington on Monday night and passed away in hospital on Wednesday.
PC Turnbull was attending the scene of an initial collision involving a Land Rover Freelander and a Ford Explorer on the A189 Spine Road at approximately 11:10 PM BST. It was during this response that a black Mercedes collided with a marked police vehicle, resulting in her critical injuries.
Peter Douthwaite, headteacher at George Stephenson High School in Killingworth, where PC Turnbull was previously a pupil, spoke of her profound impact. He described her as a 'much-loved former student' who embodied a 'life of service'. Mr Douthwaite highlighted her consistently cheerful, positive, and kind nature, noting that her warmth brightened the days of those around her. He added that her choice to pursue a career dedicated to helping and protecting others was unsurprising, given her early desire to make a difference.
The school has since placed flowers outside the Northumbria Police station where PC Turnbull worked, as a mark of respect. Mr Douthwaite conveyed the deep sadness felt by the school community, stating that they had lost a genuinely lovely person who would be remembered with enormous fondness. He extended the school's deepest condolences to PC Turnbull's family, friends, and colleagues during this incredibly difficult time.
Police and Crime Commissioner Susan Dungworth also offered her condolences, emphasising that PC Turnbull's death serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks police officers confront daily. Commissioner Dungworth stated that while no words could ease the pain, her thoughts were with PC Turnbull's family, friends, and colleagues as they grappled with their unimaginable loss. She affirmed that PC Turnbull would be remembered with gratitude for her commitment to a career of selflessly putting others first.
A 73-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the incident on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. He has since been released on bail as investigations continue.
Source: George Stephenson High School, Northumbria Police, Police and Crime Commissioner Susan Dungworth