A mother-of-three died tragically after being struck by a police car that was chasing another vehicle.
53-year-old Heather Smedley from Greater Manchester, England, was driving through her hometown of Oldham when an unmarked police car plowed into her during the pursuit of a suspected stolen vehicle.
According to the reports, the woman suffered serious injuries in the crash, and she succumbed to her injuries moments later at the hospital.
Heather’s family has since the shocking incident spoken out and dubbed the mother-of-three as a beautiful soul and the glue of her family.
“To the most wonderful mother to Benjamin, Olivia and Jamie, daughter to Hilda and Fred, sister, friend, and wife to Damian,” they expressed in a statement shared by the police.
“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.”
The family continued: “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.”
The authorities have since also launched an investigation into the collision and began inquiries to determine the circumstances leading to the deadly crash.
“After being notified by Greater Manchester Police we deployed investigators to the scene and to the police post-incident procedure to begin our inquiries,” the Independent Office for Police Conduct confirmed.
“Initial accounts from police officers involved are being obtained. Our thoughts are with the woman’s family and friends at this awful time and all those affected by this tragic incident.”
They went on to assure the public that the investigation will determine whether the police acted in “accordance with policies and procedures” during the pursuit of the suspected stolen vehicle.
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