Claire Laybourne was rushed to hospital after the crash and tragically lost her life — now her loved ones have given a tragic statement as three are arrested for her death
The family of a woman who was struck in horrendous hit-and-run incident have paid a heartbreaking tribute to her. It comes as police continue their investigations after three people were arrested in connection with the incident.
Claire Laybourne was 39 when she was struck down in the tragic crash on the A19 in Holystone, Northumberland on Friday (December 5). Police had been alerted to a two-vehicle crash and attended the scene, finding her with serious injuries.
Emergency services raced her to hospital to try and save her, but despite their best efforts, Claire died a short time later. Now, her loved ones have issued a statement reflecting on the “beautiful soul” that she was.
In a statement released through the police, Claire’s family said of her: “Claire was a beautiful soul whose kindness, warmth, and gentle strength touched everyone she met. She was an extraordinary mother, a devoted partner, a cherished daughter, a loving auntie, and a loyal friend.
“Her presence lit up every room, and her love held our family together in ways words can never truly capture,” they added. “Our hearts are broken, and our lives have been changed beyond anything we could have imagined.
“The depth of our grief is matched only by the depth of the love we carry for her. We will miss her beyond what words are able to portray.”
The statement concluded: “Claire’s memory will forever live on in all of us who were blessed to know her. May she rest in peace, and may we hold her spirit close as we navigate the world without her.”
Northumbria Police confirmed that they were called to the scene on Friday when they received reports that a Volkswagen T-Roc and a Skoda Fabia had collided on the carriageway. When officers arrived at the scene, they found the Skoda but the driver had fled on foot, according to the Sun.
The driver of the Volkswagen, Claire, was taken to hospital to be given urgent treatment for her serious injuries. However, she was pronounced dead on Saturday (December 6), leaving her family and friends heartbroken.
Launching an investigation into the incident, officers arrested three men aged in their 20s and 30s in connection with the crash. All three have since been granted bail whilst officers are working to build their investigation against the suspects.
Meanwhile, the force has continued to urge anyone with information to come forward with anything that they may have noticed as they travelled along the A19 that fateful day. In particular, investigators are looking for anyone who might have spotted a black Skoda Fabia — with a 2024 license plate — travelling in the area at the time the crash took place.
Sergeant Dave Roberts from Northumbria Police said that the force’s thoughts remained with Claire’s bereft family. He added that the investigation remains open and has renewed the appeal for anyone with information to make themselves known.
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