Husband pays tribute to 'soulmate' following Stoke-on-Trent collision
Rosemary Boote, 77, died following a collision with a car on Friday 12 December
The husband of a woman who lost her life after being struck by a car in Stoke-on-Trent has shared a tribute to his “soulmate” of 56 years.
Staffordshire Police were called shortly after 8am on Friday 12 December to the junction of South Drive at Carmountside Crematorium and Leek Road in Milton.
The pedestrian, 77-year-old Rosemary Boote from Milton, was taken to hospital but died a short time later as a result of her injuries.
That morning, Rosemary had left home to put flowers on her sister's grave at the crematorium.
Rosemary’s husband, Ken Boote, has paid tribute to her:
“On the morning of 12 December at 08.10am, I received a call from the police telling me that my wife and soulmate of 56 years, Rosemary Boote, had been seriously injured in a non-stop collision.
“Police officers drove me to the trauma unit at Royal Stoke A&E, but sadly Rosemary had died from her injuries a few minutes earlier.
“Some of you may have known Rosemary as she went walking most days in the Milton, Baddeley Green and Bagnall area, always wearing a red anorak.
“For many years she worked at Baddeley Green Pharmacy before moving to Baddeley Green Surgery then retiring in 2010.
“We all hope to grow old gracefully together, but as I've found out life cannot only be very fragile but also very cruel.”
“I want to pay tribute to members of the public who stayed with Rosemary, so she was not alone until the emergency services arrived.
“Also, my heartfelt thanks to the police, ambulance, paramedics, critical care team, the Midlands Air Ambulance, along with the doctors and nurses on trauma bay 1 Royal Stoke A&E, who all fought so valiantly to try and save her.
“Finally, very special thanks to my family and friends for their support along with my two police family liaison support officers, Lili-Rose and Shannan, who are helping me through this very difficult time. Without them I would have struggled to cope.
“Thank you again everyone. RIP Rosemary.”
Police arrested an 86-year-old man on Saturday 18 December on suspicion of causing death by careless and or inconsiderate driving, failing to stop after a road accident and failing to report an accident.
He was questioned in custody and bailed while our enquiries continue.