Husband ‘watched in helpless horror’ as ‘beautiful’ wife killed on golf course after being struck by van in police chase
THE husband of a woman who died after being struck by a van has paid tribute to his "beautiful wife" and described the "helpless horror" of watching the tragedy unfold.
Suzanne Cherry, 62, tragically passed away on Tuesday after she was hit by a vehicle at Aston Wood golf course in Staffordshire on Friday April 11.
Paying tribute to his wife and mum-of-three, Suzanne's husband said: “On Friday 11 April, while enjoying what should have been the safest of one of Suzanne’s many activities, I watched in helpless horror as the life of my beautiful wife and our future together was snatched away in an instant.
“Suzanne had an amazing and infectious zest for life which 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.
“Suzanne leaves a legacy and an unfillable void in the lives of her mother Maureen, her three adult children, two step-children and countless others from her work, her sporting activities and social circle.
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“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.”
Suzanne was enjoying a game at Aston Wood Golf Club, in Sutton, Birmingham, with her husband Clinton when tragedy stuck.
She was hit by a Nissan van which had swerved off the road and on to the course, after being chased by two police patrol cars at about 10.15am on Friday.
Suzanne was airlifted to hospital after the horror but sadly passed away from her injuries on Tuesday.
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A neighbour of Suzanne has since spoken out about the tragedy.
She told how the company director, who lived in nearby Aldridge with her husband, was a "much-loved friend and neighbour".
"What happened was just appalling," the neighbour told .
"She was playing golf with her husband. He saw it all happen and is a broken man."
Another resident from the leafy street added: "Going to play the game you love on a beautiful day and then that happens. It is beyond comprehension.
"Why would anyone be driving a van up that bank and onto a golf course. It’s insanity."
Nearby Calderfields Golf and Country Club paid a heartfelt tribute online.
They said: "Our thoughts also go out to our neighbours, their staff and friends at Aston Wood, this was a tragic and very sad occurrence which should not happen anywhere, let alone on the tranquil environment of a golf course."
Police have made six arrests since the collision with the IOPC continuing to investigate the circumstances around the incident.
West Midlands Police officers were responding to the vehicle being involved in reports of suspicious activity.
A spokesperson for West Midlands Police said: "We 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).
"We’ve created an online portal where people can leave information they may have. You can access the Major Incident Public Portal, here:
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"To report anonymously, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."
The Police watchdog said: "We understand the police cars stopped following the van after it came off the road and went up an embankment onto the golf course where the van collided with a woman.
