RIP Gemma: Final farewell to student paramedic killed in motorbike crash
Colleagues, friends and family turned out to pay their final respects to a much-loved student paramedic who died in a motorbike crash in the Black Country.
Gemma Smith, aged 24, was riding with a group of other motorbikes when she crashed her Kawasaki into a central reservation in Manor Way, Halesowen, on September 14.
Miss Smith, from Sycamore Road, in Oldbury, died in hospital two days later.
West Midlands Ambulance Service described Gemma as a "much-loved student paramedic" based at their Dudley hub.
Around 100 West Midlands Ambulance Service workers joined Gemma's family and friends at Sandwell Crematorium on Friday to pay their final respects.
Posting on Twitter, the service said: "This afternoon family, friends and around 100 West Midlands Ambulance Service colleagues gathered in Sandwell to pay their final respects to much-loved student paramedic, Gemma Smith, from Dudley hub.
"Rest in peace Gemma. #inourambulancehearts."
Following Gemma's death, in a tribute from her family she was described as a "vibrant" woman "who had so much to give".
In a statement, Gemma's parents said: "We are devastated at the sudden loss of our beautiful daughter – she will always be remembered as a vibrant and active young lady who had so much to give.
"As a family we respectfully request privacy to grieve during this very difficult time.”
An inquest was opened into Gemma's death last month and adjourned for a full hearing to be held on November 18.
The hearing was told it appeared Gemma had "lost control of her motorbike and came off her motorbike at some speed."
