PC Jess Turnbull remembered as parents’ ‘greatest joy’ after death

The parents of PC Jess Turnbull, who died while serving as a police officer, have described their daughter as their “greatest joy” and paid tribute to a young woman they say was filled with “energy, determination and kindness” from the moment she was born.

A life cut short

Jess Turnbull had dedicated herself to policing at a young age, joining the force with a clear sense of purpose that her family say never wavered. Her parents, speaking publicly for the first time since her death, said she had always wanted to help people. That drive, they explained, defined everything she did. It wasn’t just a career for Jess. It was who she was.

She was 27 years old.

Family’s heartbreak and pride

In a written statement released through the force, her parents said they were “devastated beyond words” but remained immensely proud of the woman their daughter had become. “Jess brought light into every room she walked into,” the statement read. “She was our greatest joy, and she always will be.”

They described a childhood full of laughter and stubbornness in equal measure. But what struck those who knew her most, her parents said, was her instinct to look out for others. Friends from her school years and colleagues from the force have lined up in recent days to echo that sentiment. More than 200 messages of condolence had been received by the family as of this week.

Still, her parents said no amount of kind words could fill the gap she’s left behind.

Tributes from the force

Senior officers have been swift to honour Turnbull’s service. A spokesperson for the force said: “PC Turnbull embodied everything we ask of our officers. Her commitment, courage and compassion were evident to everyone who worked alongside her. We are deeply grateful for her service and deeply sorry for the loss her family is now carrying.”

Colleagues described her as someone who didn’t take shortcuts and didn’t shy away from difficult situations. She had received a commendation just eight months before her death for her response to a serious incident involving a vulnerable member of the public. It was, those who knew her say, entirely typical of her.

What comes next

A full tribute event is being planned by the force to formally honour PC Turnbull’s service, with details expected to be confirmed within the next two weeks. Her family has asked that any donations be directed to a mental health charity she supported during her lifetime.

And while no formal inquest date has yet been set, the force has confirmed that a thorough internal review of the circumstances surrounding her death is already underway.

For her parents, the days ahead will be unimaginably hard. But they’ve made one thing clear. They want Jess to be remembered not just for how she died, but for how she lived — with energy, determination, and an extraordinary kindness that touched everyone she met.