A large crowd gathered to honor a young police officer who tragically lost her life in a traffic accident while responding to a separate crash.
PC Jess Turnbull, aged 19, was fatally struck by a car while assisting at the scene of a two-car collision. The incident occurred when another vehicle collided with their patrol car, injuring PC Turnbull.
The funeral procession for PC Turnbull took place on Friday, with her coffin escorted to Newcastle Cathedral by horses, pipers, and motorcycle outriders. The route was lined with officers carrying flags from various police forces across the UK. Uniformed police officers stood outside the cathedral as the cortège made its way through the city streets closed off for the procession.
The solemn parade included seven pipers, a drummer, and four mounted officers leading the way. PC Turnbull’s coffin, draped in a union flag, was carried into the church by more officers while the pipers played “Amazing Grace” under the sunny skies.
During the ceremony, PC Turnbull’s police hat was placed atop her coffin as it was moved inside the church, where dignitaries, including Northumbria Chief Constable Vanessa Jardine, paid their respects. The officer’s family, along with numerous other relatives and officers, followed the coffin into the church.
According to the coroner’s report last month, PC Turnbull and her colleague had responded to a two-vehicle collision near Cramlington, Northumberland, late at night. While implementing a road closure, PC Turnbull was struck by a passing motorist who collided with the parked police vehicle. Despite immediate medical attention, she succumbed to her injuries two days later.
Northumbria Police announced the arrest of a 73-year-old Mercedes driver on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. PC Turnbull had joined the police force just a few months before the tragic incident.