Police have confirmed that a body has been found in the search for Katherine Watson, a 50-year-old former Army officer and well-known star of Channel 4’s Geordie Hospital. Watson, who worked as a chaplain at Newcastle Hospitals, had been missing from the Newcastle area since early Thursday afternoon (September 19).
The discovery was made in the Jesmond Dene area, and while formal identification has yet to take place, authorities believe the body belongs to Katherine. Superintendent Darren Adams of Northumbria Police expressed his condolences, stating, “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.
Watson, known as “Katie” to those close to her, became a familiar figure in the Newcastle community through her role on Geordie Hospital, where she was celebrated for her work providing spiritual care to patients, staff, and families. Her disappearance was described by police as “out of character,” and widespread efforts were made to locate her.
Thousands shared the police appeal for information regarding her whereabouts, with many who knew Katherine personally expressing their concerns. Among them was a retired doctor from Newcastle Hospitals who described her as “our rock during the worst parts of the COVID pandemic.”
Before her work as a chaplain, Katherine had an extensive career in the military, having served in the Royal Military Police with operational tours in Bosnia, Croatia, and Northern Ireland. She was a highly respected figure both in the armed forces and within the hospital community, overseeing a team of chaplains from various faiths to provide comfort and support to patients in need.
In her role at the Newcastle Hospitals, Katherine was known for her compassion and commitment to helping others. Speaking about her work before the Channel 4 series aired, she said: “We try to help in so many ways, from providing food bank vouchers to baptising babies and supporting families through some of their hardest times.
Tributes have poured in from friends, colleagues, and viewers, many of whom expressed admiration for her work and sorrow at the tragic outcome of her disappearance. The police investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to determine the circumstances surrounding her death.
Anyone with further information is asked to contact Northumbria Police using their live chat function, social media, or by calling 101, quoting reference NP-20240919-0717.
