Tributes paid to Washington woman who died after receiving injuries on bus

A heartbroken family has paid tribute to a woman who “will be missed by all who knew her” after she tragically passed away in Washington earlier this month.

Ann Garbutt, 76, of the Washington area, sustained serious injuries while on board a bus on Follingsby Lane on the afternoon of Monday, February 12, this year.

She was taken to hospital for treatment and was later discharged. At that stage, we had not been notified of the incident.

On Monday, July 8, Ann sadly passed away at her home address in Washington and her death was reported to police.

In a heartfelt statement paying tribute to Ann, her family said: “Ann was born, and lived her whole life, in Washington, Tyne and Wear.

“She was a much loved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin and friend.

“Throughout her whole life, she was always helping and looking after other people.

“Ann was passionate about her family and many friends – and she loved travelling, often visiting many places in the UK and abroad.

“She will be missed by all who knew her and leaves a huge gap in so many people’s lives.

“As a family, we would respectfully ask to be given the time to grieve as we attempt to process our loss.”

Officers from the Northumbria Police Serious Collision Investigation Unit continue to investigate the full circumstances surrounding Ann’s death – and to ascertain whether her injuries sustained on the bus was a contributing factor.

A blue Mercedes single decker number 4 bus, operated by Go North East, had been travelling in an easterly direction on Follingsby Lane at around 3.30pm on Monday, February 12, before coming to a stop at the junction with Follingsby Avenue.

Officers are carrying out a range of enquiries, including CCTV, but would urge any further witnesses to come forward.