A beloved great-grandmother was visiting her family when she was tragically killed in a hit-and-run in Benfleet, a coroner said. Yvonne Jones, 85, was on an overseas trip to Essex from Australia when she died in December 2024.
Emergency colleagues descended on London Road in Benfleet at around 11.30pm on December 7. Essex Coroner’s Court heard on Friday (January 3) that Ms Jones, from Queensland, was visiting her sister and had been on a bus trip to London on the day of the incident.
The vehicle, described as a Jaguar saloon-style car, reportedly failed to stop and left the scene. A man initially arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving has been released under investigation whilst enquiries continue.
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Paying tribute to her, a family statement said: “We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Yvonne Jones, our Mum, Nan, Great Nan, Sister and Aunty. She was born in London and was unexpectedly taken from us on 7th December 2024 in Essex whilst on holiday, visiting her family.
“Australia has been Mum’s home for over 50 years with her children, Lee, Julie, Debbie and Tracy and their extended families and will be her final resting place. We will miss her cheeky humour and above all her kindness to everyone she met. We love you, Rest in Peace, Mum.”
Essex Police previously said Ms Jones had stepped off a coach at a bus stop close to the junction of Kents Hill Road and before Thundersley Park Road. After the coach left, she proceeded to cross the road when the collision with a vehicle occurred.
Ms Jones was pronounced dead at just after midnight at 12.28am. At the inquest opening, Coroner Michelle Brown said: “I will formally suspend this inquest at the request of the police.”