A mother-of-three who died after being struck by a police car that was following a suspected stolen car has been remembered by her family as “kind and gentle.” The Woman is identified as Heather Smedley. Let’s see what happened in detail.
Oldham police crash: What happened?
At around 10:00 GMT, an accident in Royton, Oldham, resulted in major injuries that led to the hospitalization of Heather Smedley, 53.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) revealed that police had been pursuing a possible stolen car before to the collision on Oldham Road, Royton. Just after 10 a.m. this morning (Friday, December 23) a 53-year-old lady was rushed to the hospital with serious injuries; however, she eventually passed away.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct and the GMP’s Professional Standards Branch had been alerted about the incident. GMP’s spokesperson stated: “At around 10 am today, officers pursued a suspected stolen vehicle and engaged in short pursuit as a result.
“A police car was involved in a traffic accident shortly after, and a 53-year-old lady was sent to the hospital for treatment of critical injuries. Sadly, she passed away shortly after receiving the finest medical care possible.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) released a statement claiming that Mrs. Smedley’s automobile was struck by an unmarked police car.
IOPC mentioned,
“We understand that the police car had been pursuing a separate, suspected stolen vehicle prior to the collision.
“Our thoughts are with the woman’s family and friends at this awful time and all those affected by this tragic incident.
“Our investigation will examine the circumstances leading up to the collision and whether police actions were in accordance with policies and procedures.”
One on social media responded,
I really don’t understand why police pursue these high-speed chases when a lot of people have been injured and killed for the sake of a piece of metal on wheels. A man was recently sentenced to two years in prison for chasing after burglars that tried to rob his house. The robbers sustained serious injuries when they crashed their stolen motorcycle in the chase. Why is it police can do it with impunity? My deepest sympathies go out to her family and friends, Christmases will never be a joyful occasion for them again.
Who was Heather Smedley?
Heather Smedley, 53, was a lovely and caring mother of three. According to a tribute, Heather Smedley was the “glue that kept the family together.”
Statement from Mrs. Smedley’s family
Greater Manchester Police shared the tribute shared by Mrs. Smedley’s family on their official Facebook page. The message reads as follows,
The family of Heather Smedley pays tribute to her after she was tragically killed in a road traffic collision in Royton.
Heather Smedley – aged 53 – sadly passed away as a result of her injuries after she was tragically involved in a road traffic collision in Royton, Oldham.
Paying tribute to Heather, her family said: “To the most wonderful mother to Benjamin, Olivia, and Jamie, daughter to Hilda and Fred, sister, friend, and wife to Damian.
“The world was a much better place with you in it.
“Our mum was the most kind, gentle, beautiful soul inside and out. She faced all of life’s challenges with her beautiful smile, and her bravery and courage never wavered.
“We could not have asked for a better role model growing up, giving everything, she had to all of those she loved, and always supporting those around her.
“She was the glue that held our family together. Her resilience and kindness inspired us all to be better.
“She had the greatest sense of humor and contagious laugh that we will miss every single day.
“You were too good for this world Mum, there will be a hole in our hearts forever.” Heather’s family has asked for privacy while they grieve their loss.
Tributes pouring in for Heather Smedley
Catherine Robinson said,
Sending all my love to Damian Smedley, and the family, you’re in my thoughts ….absolutely devastating news, she was a gorgeous lady. Rip Heather, love you.
Lynn Hague posted this,
Utterly devastating news! There are no words to express my deepest sympathy to all of Heather’s loved ones xx. These people have no idea how many lives they have just torn apart with this one reckless act.
Benefice of Heyside and Royton shared,
Prayers for all involved in this incident in Heyside and for the family of Heather Smedley, the lady who died. May Heather rest in peace and rise in glory.
Sending our condolences at this heartbreaking time. RIP Heather
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