Police have confirmed ‘extraordinary mum’ Claire Laybourne died in hospital following a suspected hit-and-run on the A19.
16:00, 08 Dec 2025Updated 16:04, 08 Dec 2025
Claire Laybourne, who died following a crash on the A19 on Saturday December 6(Image: Handout / Northumbria Police)
The family of a woman killed on the A19 at Holystone last Friday have paid tribute to a “beautiful soul” who they will miss “beyond words”. Claire Laybourne died on Saturday, hours after being involved in a collision on the A19 at Holystone.
Northumbria Police officers are treating the incident as a suspected hit and run. The police were first alerted to reports of a two-vehicle collision thought to have taken place at 10.40pm on December 5.
Two cars – a Volkswagen T-roc and a Skoda Fabia were reported to have been travelling on the Northbound carriageway when a collision took place. The police said the driver of the Skoda did not stop at the scene – and they are believed to have fled on foot.
Emergency services attended and the driver of the Volkswagen, Ms Laybourne who is from Hebburn, was taken to hospital with serious injuries. Despite the efforts of medical staff, she died the next day.
Through police, her family have shared a moving statement in tribute to her. They said: “Claire was a beautiful soul whose kindness, warmth, and gentle strength touched everyone she met. She was an extraordinary mother, a devoted partner, a cherished daughter, a loving auntie, and a loyal friend.
“Her presence lit up every room, and her love held our family together in ways words can never truly capture. Our hearts are broken, and our lives have been changed beyond anything we could have imagined.
““The depth of our grief is matched only by the depth of the love we carry for her. We will miss her beyond what words are able to portray.”
The family added that Claire’s legacy would live on. They said: “Claire’s memory will forever live on in all of us who were blessed to know her. May she rest in peace, and may we hold her spirit close as we navigate the world without her.”
Three men, aged in their 20s and 30s, have been arrested in connection with the incident and each has been subsequently released on police bail pending further enquiries. Officers from Northumbria Police’s roads policing team continue to investigate – and have appealed for any further witnesses to come forward.
The officers are “particularly keen” to hear from anyone who may have seen a black Skoda Fabia – with a 24-plate registration number – in the area at the time.
Sgt Dave Roberts said: “This is an extremely sad update, and our thoughts remain firmly with the loved ones of Claire at this time. As we continue to investigate this collision and look to provide Claire’s family with answers, we ask again for anyone who may have information to come forward. No matter how insignificant you think it may be, it could prove crucial to our ongoing investigation.”
Anyone with information should contact Northumbria Police by sending a direct message on social media, using the Force website, or calling 101. They should quote reference number: NP-20251205-1124.
ChronicleLive has created a dedicated WhatsApp community for breaking news and our biggest stories. You can join this WhatsApp community here. It will keep you up-to-date with news as it breaks and our top stories of the day sent directly to your phone.