A man has been charged with the murder of a woman who was discovered with fatal injuries on a street in Plymouth in the United Kingdom.
Paul Butler, aged 53, faces charges connected to the death of Claire Chick, a nurse and university lecturer.
Ms. Chick, 48, was found seriously injured on West Hoe Road on Wednesday but succumbed to her injuries later in the hospital.
Butler, a resident of Stangray Avenue in Plymouth, is set to appear at Plymouth Magistrates’ Court on Monday.
Senior Investigating Officer Detective Inspector Rob Smith of Devon and Cornwall Police stated, “We have specialist officers in place to continue to provide support to Claire’s family. Our investigation is ongoing, and I would like to thank the local community for their support whilst we have carried out our inquiries over the past few days.”
Ms. Chick’s family, mourning her loss, described her as “the most beautiful lively soul.”
In a heartfelt tribute, they said, “We are absolutely devastated and broken at the loss of our beautiful caring mother. She was the most beautiful lively soul and was there for everyone. Everyone who knew our mum had so much positive words to say about her. She was the life and soul of any place where she was.”
The University of Plymouth, where Ms. Chick was a lecturer, also expressed grief at her passing.
Vice-chancellor Professor Richard Davies remarked, “Her contribution to Plymouth was significant and deeply felt. She was a respected nurse, lecturer, and personal tutor, ensuring students were supported academically and pastorally. As associate head of school for international in our school of nursing and midwifery, she was closely involved in developing nursing programmes, students and academics in Europe, Africa and Asia.
“As a colleague, Claire’s humour and warmth will be dearly missed by academic and support staff. Our thoughts are with Claire’s family and friends at this impossibly difficult time.”
