Husband ‘watched in horror’ as van killed wife on golf course after police chase
A heartbroken husband has described watching in "helpless horror" as a van fleeing the police ran over his "beautiful wife"[1] after mounting an embankment at a golf club. Suzanne Cherry, 62, died in hospital after she was struck by a grey Nissan van at Aston Wood Golf Club[2] in Kingstanding, Birmingham. The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct[3] (IOPC), is investigating the circumstances around the tragedy after two patrol cars started following the van due to reports of suspicious activity.
They stopped chasing the vehicle when it came off the road and went up an embankment at the golf club where it hit Ms Cherry at 10.25am on 11 April. In a moving statement released on Sunday, her grieving husband paid tribute to the mother, of Aldridge, Walsall, who leaves behind three adult children and two step children. "While enjoying what should have been the safest of one of Suzanne's many activities, I watched in helpless horror as the life of my beautiful wife and our future together was snatched away in an instant," he said in a statement issued through West Midlands Police[4].
"Suzanne had an amazing and infectious zest for life, which touched everyone who was fortunate enough to know her. "She was unselfish, always ready to encourage with love and support those around her to achieve more than they themselves thought possible."
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A van being chased by West Midlands Police officers collided with Ms Cherry, 62, at Aston Wood Golf Course (PA Wire)Her husband, who was not named, added: "Suzanne leaves a legacy and an unfillable void in the lives of her mother Maureen, her three adult children, two step-children and countless others from her work, her sporting activities and social circle. "Sue was loved, and will be painfully missed by her entire family and friends, we ask that our privacy at this difficult time be respected."
Horrified neighbours also paid tribute to the "much-loved friend and neighbour". "What happened was just appalling," one neighbour told MailOnline[5]. "She was playing golf with her husband. He saw it all happen and is a broken man."
Another resident added: "Going to play the game you love on a beautiful day and then that happens. It is beyond comprehension."
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Ms Cherry, 62, leaves behind three adult children and two step children (Jacob King/PA)Officers from three different forces have since arrested six men in connection with the incident. The IOPC is continuing to investigate the circumstances before the collision.
A spokesperson for West Midlands Police said: "Officers are continuing to appeal for information and are particularly keen to hear from anyone who was in the area of Blake Street and Birmingham Road between Sutton Coldfield and Shenstone in the morning of Friday (11 April)."
References
- ^ van fleeing the police ran over his "beautiful wife" (www.independent.co.uk)
- ^ struck by a grey Nissan van at Aston Wood Golf Club (www.independent.co.uk)
- ^ Independent Office for Police Conduct (www.independent.co.uk)
- ^ West Midlands Police (www.independent.co.uk)
- ^ MailOnline (www.dailymail.co.uk)