Newcastle and Northumberland bishops issue statement after body found in search for chaplain Katherine Watson

The Right Reverend Dr Helen-Ann Hartley and the Right Reverend Mark Wroe have issued a joint statement after a body was sadly found in Jesmond Dene earlier today

The Bishop of Newcastle, the Right Reverend Dr Helen-Ann Hartley and the Bishop of Berwick, the Right Reverend Mark Wroe have released a joint statement after a body was found in the search for Katherine Watson.

Katherine, known fondly as Katie, was reported missing on Thursday afternoon, and a body was sadly found in Jesmond Dene in Newcastle on Friday morning.

Formal identification has yet to take place, but it is believed to be that of Katherine. Her next of kin have been made aware and are being supported by specialist police officers.

Officers at Northumbria Police do not believe there to be any third-party involvement and once formal identification has been completed, a report will be prepared for the coroner.

The 50-year-old was a recognisable community figure after appearing in the TV series Geordie Hospital, which focused on her work as a chaplain at the RVI and Freeman. She was described as a "rock" for many during the worst parts of the Covid pandemic, while another person called her "one of the most wonderful women I have had the pleasure of knowing."

Formerly in the Royal Military Police, Reverend Captain Watson served in conflict zones such as the Balkans and Northern Ireland, before charming viewers during the Channel 4 documentary said in the city's hospitals.

In their join statement, the bishops said: “It is with a profound sense of sadness and grief that we received the news about Katie, and our first thoughts are with her partner Emily and their children and all who knew and loved Katie. From her much valued work as a hospital chaplain, which reached beyond the bounds of the North East, to her many colleagues from her past career, and the sporting and running communities she was a part of, to all of us here in the Diocese of Newcastle, we mourn her death with a deep feeling of loss.

"Katie was ordained deacon in 2020 and lived out her vocation in service, compassion, and humility. There is much more that we want to say but for now we express our grief and our love and prayers to Katie’s family, friends, and colleagues.”

Northumbria Police issued a statement earlier today. Superintendent Darren Adams, of Northumbria Police, said: "This is an incredibly sad outcome and our thoughts are with Katherine’s loved-ones at this difficult time.

"We will continue to support them in any way we can and we ask that their privacy is respected. Our thanks go to everyone who shared our appeals, provided information and supported our search for Katherine."

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