Young Police Officer Killed While On Duty After Being Struck By Vehicle During Road Closure
A 19-year-old police officer has died after being struck by a vehicle while carrying out traffic management duties at the scene of an earlier collision, leaving colleagues, family members, and the wider community mourning the loss of one of the youngest officers in the force.
PC Jess Turnbull suffered catastrophic injuries while helping close a road during an emergency response. Despite the rapid arrival of emergency personnel, she died at the scene. Authorities have launched a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fatal collision.
According to police, the incident occurred while officers were managing traffic following an earlier crash.
Turnbull had been deployed to assist with the road closure, a routine responsibility designed to protect the public, emergency responders, and other road users while the original incident was being handled.
During the operation, a vehicle struck the young officer, causing injuries that proved fatal.
Emergency services immediately responded, but despite their efforts, Turnbull could not be saved. Investigators secured the scene and began examining the circumstances of the collision, with specialist collision investigators gathering evidence, documenting the roadway, and interviewing witnesses.
Police have not yet released full details regarding the circumstances that led to the crash, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Authorities are examining factors including road conditions, vehicle movements, and witness accounts before determining exactly what occurred.
Officials have urged the public to avoid speculation while investigators complete their work.
Turnbull had joined the police service to pursue a career she had dreamed of from an early age.
According to colleagues and family members, policing was more than a profession for her—it was a lifelong ambition inspired in part by her father, who also served in law enforcement. Those who knew her described her as dedicated, compassionate, and eager to serve her community.
Senior officers paid tribute to the 19-year-old, describing her as a valued member of the force whose enthusiasm and professionalism made a lasting impression despite her short time in uniform.
Colleagues said she approached every shift with determination and a strong sense of public service.
Her death has deeply affected fellow officers, many of whom worked alongside her during emergency responses and community policing duties.
Support services have been made available for police personnel as they cope with the loss of a colleague who died while carrying out her responsibilities.
Messages of condolence have also been shared by members of the public, local leaders, and emergency service organizations, recognizing Turnbull’s commitment to protecting others.
Floral tributes and memorial messages have been left in her honor as the community remembers a young officer whose career was cut tragically short.
Roadside incidents remain among the most dangerous situations faced by emergency responders.
Police officers, firefighters, paramedics, and recovery workers frequently operate close to moving traffic while responding to collisions and other emergencies. Safety campaigns continue urging motorists to slow down, remain alert, and follow instructions when approaching incident scenes to help protect emergency personnel.
The force has thanked members of the public for their support while asking that Turnbull’s family be given privacy during this difficult time.
Officials have also reaffirmed their commitment to conducting a thorough investigation into the collision to establish the facts surrounding the incident.
For Turnbull’s parents, relatives, friends, and colleagues, the tragedy represents the loss of a young woman who had only recently begun the career she had worked so hard to achieve.
As the investigation continues, tributes continue to highlight her dedication, kindness, and determination to serve others. While investigators work to establish exactly what happened, those who knew Jess Turnbull say she will be remembered for her courage, her commitment to public service, and the promise of a career that ended far too soon.
