A heartbroken husband described watching in “helpless horror” as a fleeing police van ran over his “beautiful wife” after mounting an embankment at a golf course.
Suzanne Cherry, 62, died in hospital after being struck by a grey Nissan van at Aston Wood Golf Club in Kingstanding, Birmingham.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), a police watchdog, is looking into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy after two patrol cars began following the van after receiving reports of suspicious activity.
They stopped chasing the vehicle when it went off the road and up an embankment at the golf club, colliding with Ms Cherry at 10.25 a.m. on April 11.
Her bereaved husband paid tribute to the mother of Aldridge, Walsall, in a moving statement released on Sunday. She leaves three adult children and two stepchildren behind.
“While enjoying what should have been the safest of Suzanne’s many activities, I watched in helpless horror as my beautiful wife’s life and our future together were snatched away in an instant,” he said in a statement released by West Midlands Police.
“Suzanne had an incredible and contagious zest for life that touched everyone who was fortunate enough to know her.
“She was unselfish, always ready to encourage with love and support those around her to achieve more than they themselves thought possible.”
Her unnamed husband went on to say, “Suzanne leaves a legacy and an unfillable void in the lives of her mother Maureen, her three adult children, two stepchildren, and countless others from her work, sporting activities, and social circle.
“Sue was loved, and will be painfully missed by her entire family and friends, we ask that our privacy at this difficult time be respected.”
Horrified neighbours also paid tribute to the “much-loved friend and neighbour”.
“What happened was just appalling,” a neighbour told MailOnline. “She was playing golf with her husband.” “He witnessed it all and is a broken man.”
Another resident added, “Going to play your favorite game on a beautiful day, and then this happens. It’s beyond comprehension.
Officers from three different forces have arrested six men in connection with the incident.
The IOPC is still investigating the circumstances leading up to the collision.
West Midlands Police’s spokesperson stated: “Officers are continuing to appeal for information and are particularly keen to hear from anyone who was in the area of Blake Street and Birmingham Road between Sutton Coldfield and Shenstone in the morning of Friday (11 April).”
