Woman dies trying to help injured dog

Nov 21 2007 by Sam Wood, The Journal

A YOUNG woman was killed after being run over while trying to help an injured dog.

Emma Cragen, of Fairfield Avenue in Forest Hall, North Tyneside, was a passenger in the car which hit the dog on the Great North Road, Newcastle, at 9.38pm on Monday night.

It is understood that as the 21-year-old got out of the car to help the animal, she was hit by a car travelling in the opposite direction.

The accident happened near traffic lights on the B1318 North Road at the turn-off for Jesmond.

Ms Cragen was rushed to Newcastle General Hospital but was confirmed dead just before 1.30am.

A police spokesman said: “At 9.38pm police received a report of a 21-year-old female being struck by a car.

“It has been established that the female had been a passenger in a car that struck a dog on the carriageway.

“She got out to help the injured animal and as she stood by the animal she was struck by a car. She has since died from her injuries.”

The woman’s relatives have now been informed, but they were last night too upset to talk to the Press.

Neighbours told how Emma was a friendly, happy woman.

One man, who preferred not to be named said: “The family were very quiet and kept themselves to themselves, but Emma was always lovely.

“She would always say hello when you saw her in the street. She was very friendly and caring.

“I heard about the accident, but I can’t believe it’s Emma – it’s such a waste. She was only young.”

Ms Cragen worked at the café in the nearby Morrisons supermarket in the Killingworth Centre.

Yesterday a store manager said she had worked at the store for a few years before leaving, but she had returned to the supermarket to work about two or three weeks ago.

He said he was in the process of telling staff.

The road was closed for about three hours as police investigated the accident.

The driver stopped at the scene and helped officers with their inquiries.

Last night police confirmed that the dog involved in the incident had also died.

A spokeswoman for Northumbria Police said they wanted to talk to anyone who witnessed the accident.

She said: “We are still trying to establish what happened. We are asking for anyone who was in the area or anyone who saw anything to get in touch.”

Anyone who witnessed the incident is asked to call Northumbria Police on 08456 043 043.