Tributes paid to police officer, 19, dead less than a year into job in horror crash

PC Jess Turnbull was responding to a collision on the A189 in Northumberland [National news]

Husna Anjum Senior Reporter and Sophie Doughty 12:57, 11 Jun 2026

PC Jess Turnbull(Image: Northumbria Police)

A police officer tragically died less than a year after joining the force. PC Jess Turnbull, 19, died yesterday (June 10) in hospital as Northumbria Police's[1] Chief Constable Vanessa Jardine said she made the "ultimate sacrifice" to keep communities safe.

Jess became a police officer last September and was allegedly struck by a black Mercedes CLC while responding to a collision[2] on the A189, in Cramlington, Northumberland.

The incident happened on Monday night (June 8) as ChronicleLive[3] reports he Mercedes was not connected to the original crash.

Chief Cons Jardine today said the force was in mourning, as she paid tribute to Jess , who worked as a response officer in Northumberland.

"It is with deep sadness that we share the tragic news that police officer Jess Turnbull has died in the line of duty", she said. "This is an extremely tragic incident where Jess lost her life while serving and protecting our communities.

"Jess was responding to a collision in Cramlington. While at the scene she was struck by a car that was unconnected with the original incident. She was taken to hospital where yesterday, surrounded by her loved ones she tragically died.

Northumbria Police's Chief Constable Vanessa Jardine said Jess made the "ultimate sacrifice" to keep communities safe(Image: Andy Commins)

"Our thoughts very much continue to be with her family, friends and all those who have been impacted by this devastating loss.

We will continue to support her loved ones in any way we can.

"Policing is a family, and we are mourning the passing of not only a colleague and a friend, but also our own family member, and we will continue to support each other during this extremely difficult time.

"Jess was relatively new in service, with so much still to look forward to in her career and life. She was a dedicated and committed officer who always sought to do her best to keep her communities safe.

"Every single day police officers up and down the country face danger to protect the public. Thankfully, most go home, tragically on this occasion Jess did not.

"I'm grateful to all those who wear the uniform with pride to keep us all safe.

Jess made the ultimate sacrifice and will never be forgotten."

Today the flag at Northumbria Police's headquarters, in Wallsend, was flying at half mast. A 73-year-old man who was arrested at the scene on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving was taken to hospital but later discharged.

He has now been re-arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and released on bail. Jess was attending a report of a collision between a Land Rover Freelander and a Ford Explorer, at around 11.10pm on Monday, when she was allegedly struck.

She was outside a marked police car at the time, officers said.

The road was closed for more than 16 hours following the crash.

Northumbria Police has asked that anyone who wants to leave tributes to Jess does not visit the scene for safety reasons. Flowers can be left at the flagpole outside the force's headquarters, in Middle Engine Lane.

Officers are continuing to appeal for witnesses. Anyone with information is asked to contact Northumbria Police quoting reference number: NP-20260608-1198.

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References

1. ^ Police's (www.cornwalllive.com)
2. ^ collision (www.cornwalllive.com)
3. ^ ChronicleLive (www.chroniclelive.co.uk)
4. ^ clicking here (www.google.com)