Dawn Sturgess: Heartbroken family of Novichok victim pay tribute to 'gentle soul' who would 'do anything for anybody'

Ms Sturgess' family also thanked medical staff for caring for her
Sophie Williams10 July 2018

The family of Dawn Sturgess who died after being exposed to the nerve agent Novichok have said she was a "gentle soul" and that they are "devastated" by her death.

The 44-year-old died at the weekend after she and her partner Charlie Rowley were exposed to the nerve agent in Amesbury, Wiltshire.

According to tests, the pair were exposed to the nerve agent after touching it on their hands. It is believed to be the same batch of Novichok that poisoned Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia.

The statement said "Dawn's death has been devastating for us. Dawn will always be remembered by us as a gentle soul who was generous to a fault.

Emergency services in Salisbury following the poisoning
Getty Images

"She had the biggest of hearts and she will be dreadfully missed by both her immediate and wider family."

The mother-of-three collapsed with seizures four months after the attempted assassination of former Russian spy Mr Skripal, 66, and his daughter Yulia,33, in Salisbury. They have both recovered.

Mr Rowley, 45, remains critically ill in hospital after coming into contact with the nerve agent.

Ms Sturgess' family wished him a "speedy recovery," adding "our thoughts and prayers also go out to Charlie and his family."

Forensic investigations in Amesbury
REUTERS

Detectives have launched a murder investigation and are working on the theory that the couple handled an item which contained the nerve agent used in the attack on the Skripals.

Dr Christine Blanshard, from Salisbury District Hospital where Ms Sturgess was treated, described her death as “desperately sad” and sent her condolences to the family.

Ms Sturgess' family thanked the NHS for caring for her.

Police officers stand guard outside a home in Amesbury after two people were taken ill with Novichok poisening
AFP/Getty Images

"We would like to take this opportunity to pass on our sincerest thanks to all of the NHS staff involved in Dawn's care, especially the wonderful doctors and nurses at Salisbury District Hospital who we know afforded Dawn every possible chance of survival and treated her with the utmost care and dignity."

They also thanked the police and local community for their support.

Visit: Sajid Javid (L) meeting staff and emergency personnel at Salisbury hospital
EPA

Prime Minister Theresa May said she was “appalled and shocked”, and sent her “thoughts and condolences” to the family.

Public Health England (PHE) said their assessment “remains that the overall risk to the general public remains low”.

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