‘Extraordinary mother’ - Tributes to a Hebburn mam who died following a North Tyneside collision
Tributes have been paid to a Hebburn mam following a suspected hit and run in North Tyneside.
The family of Claire Laybourne, from Hebburn, have paid tribute to her following her death in a tragic collision.
Emergency services were alerted to a two-vehicle collision on the A19, in Holystone, at around 22.40pm on Friday, December 5.
It was reported that a Volkswagen T-roc and a Skoda Fabia were both travelling on the Northbound carriageway when they have collided.
Police have stated that the driver of the Skoda did not stop at the scene and is believed to have fled the area on foot, travelling north.
Claire was taken to hospital for treatment of serious injuries but despite the best efforts of medical staff, the 39-year-old sadly died on Saturday, December 6.
Her family have paid tribute to her in a statement, describing her as an “extraordinary mother” who “lit up every room”.
They said: “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.
“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.
“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 have arrested three men, aged in their 20s and 30s, in connection with the incident - all three have been released on bail pending further inquiries.
Officers from the Force’s Roads Policing Unit continue to investigate the full circumstances surrounding the collision and are appealing for further witnesses to come forward.
They are particularly keen to hear from anyone who may have witnessed a black Skoda Fabia, with a 24-plate registration, travelling near the area at the time of the incident.
Sergeant Dave Roberts, of the Force’s Roads Policing Team, said: “This is an extremely sad update, and our thoughts remain firmly with the loved ones of Claire at this time.
“As we continue to investigate this collision and look to provide Claire’s family with answers, we ask again for anyone who may have information to come forward.
“No matter how insignificant you think it may be, it could prove crucial to our ongoing investigation.”
Anyone with information relating to the incident should send Northumbria Police a direct message on social media or use the live chat or report form function on the Force’s website.
If you can’t contact officers via these methods, then you can call 101, quoting: NP-20251205-1124.