Heartbreaking tributes have been paid to a “loving mum” and police officer who was struck by a lorry after she pulled over to help people who had been involved in a crash.
One of the people she was helping, a 41-year-old family man, has been described as “a hardworking and loving father, husband, son and brother,” was also killed.
York based police officer PC Rosie Prior was travelling on the A19 at Bagby near Thirsk today (January 11) when she pulled over to help other motorists involved in a crash between a Ford Focus and an Audi just before 9am.
Tragically, as PC Prior stood at the side of the road with the driver of the Audi, Ryan Welford, 41, from Knaresborough, they were hit by a HGV.
Both PC Prior and Ryan died at the scene – and a teenage boy from the Audi is in a serious but stable condition in hospital.
The 65-year-old HGV driver, from Berwick-upon-Tweed, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving but has been released under investigation.
David Skaith, mayor of York and North Yorkshire and Jo Coles, deputy mayor of policing, fire and crime, said today they were “devastated”.
Their statement read: “Our hearts are broken for them and their families. Rosie’s commitment to serving the public, even when off duty, shows she was the very best of us.
“Our thoughts are also with the entire North Yorkshire Police family, who we know will be deeply mourning their colleague.
“We especially want to thank officers and staff who worked at the scene and are supporting those affected by this tragedy.”
(Image: NORTH YORKSHIRE POLICE) PC Prior’s family said that she was “a loving mum, wife, daughter, sister, aunty and will be deeply missed”.
The family of Ryan Welford’s family paid tribute to their son, saying: “Ryan was a hardworking and loving father, husband, son and brother.
“He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.”
(Image: NORTH YORKSHIRE POLICE) Chief Constable Tim Forber of North Yorkshire Police added: “It is with profound sadness to confirm the death of PC Rosie Prior on Saturday morning who was tragically killed while helping at the scene of a separate collision on the A19 near Bagby.
“We are doing everything we can to support Rosie’s family, along with the family of a man who was also tragically killed in the incident.
“This is clearly a deeply traumatic and heartbreaking event for everyone involved and we ask that the two families are left alone to grieve in peace. They do not want any media outlets to contact or approach them.
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“Rosie’s response team colleagues in York, and from around the force, are being supported at this extremely difficult time.”
North Yorkshire Police are appealing for any witnesses or dash cam footage from either of the collisions.
They said: “If you can help, please email mcit@northyorkshire.police.uk quoting reference number 12250006038.”