The 16-year-old girl killed after being struck by a car in Gateshead has been named as Jessica Metters, as her devastated family described her as “the most loving, precious innocent little girl” and said their hearts were “broken into a million pieces.”
Jessica, from Consett, County Durham, was hit by a silver Ford Fiesta on Lobley Hill Road at around 10.40pm on Friday. She was rushed to hospital with serious injuries but died a short time after her arrival.
In a heartbreaking tribute, her family said: “She lit up every room she walked in and always made a good situation out of a bad one, with that cheeky little smile and most beautiful eyes. Our hearts hurt so bad without her here with us, we miss her so much already. Our family is broken into a million pieces.”
A 19-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and has since been released on police bail pending further enquiries.
Sergeant Ben Rutherford, of Northumbria Police’s Roads Policing Unit, said: “We would reiterate that our thoughts remain firmly with Jessica’s family and friends at this extremely difficult time. We continue to offer her next of kin support as they look to process the devastating events of the past week. Our investigation into the collision remains very much ongoing and a number of lines of enquiry have been carried out. If you have information which you think may assist us, please get in touch and provide these details. They could prove vital in helping us ascertain exactly what happened.”
