A woman who died after being swept away in floods in Derbyshire during heavy rain in the early hours yesterday was a former High Sheriff of Derbyshire, it has emerged.
Annie Hall, who was married with two grown-up children and lived in Ashford in the Water, held the ceremonial position just two years ago. Derbyshire Police named her on Saturday afternoon and issued a tribute from the Chief Constable, who was a friend.
She was swept away in the swollen River Derwent in Rowsley, near Matlock, in the early hours of Friday, and her body was found two miles downstream in Darley Dale.
Her devastated family said in a statement: "It is with great sadness that we, the family of Annie Hall, reported her sudden passing.
"We are in great shock and grieving. Please allow us to mourn privately for the time being.
"If you would like to contact us, please send any messages to condolencesforhallfamily@hotmail.com. We will publish details of the funeral arrangements when they are known."
Her friend, Derbyshire Police's Chief Constable, Peter Goodman, said: "I am shocked and deeply saddened by the untimely and tragic death of my friend, and former High Sheriff, Annie Hall.
"Annie was a great leader in Derbyshire in both industry and on the civic front. She will be hugely missed.
"My deepest sympathies go to Michael and all the family at this time."
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Derbyshire Police said in a statement: "Emergency services were called to the River Derwent in Darley Dale, near Matlock, in the early hours of Friday, 8 November to reports that a woman had been swept away by the water.
"Tragically, a body was found further downstream a short time later."
The force said she had served as the County's High Sheriff in 2017 and "struck up a close bond" with Chief Constable Peter Goodman during her tenure.
Members of the emergency services, including Mountain Rescue and a Coastguard helicopter were involved in the search for Mrs Hall.
In an interview with Derbyshire Life magazine two years ago, Mrs Hall said she was born and brought up near Wincanton on the border of Somerset and Dorset, where her parents were involved in the family business.
She trained as a psychiatric nurse at a hospital near Dorchester, married her husband Michael and eventually moved to Derbyshire.
The couple had a grown-up son and daughter.
She was the first female president of the Derbyshire Chamber of Commerce and was then appointed as High Sheriff and was involved in numerous charities.
