Police officer killed by truck after stopping to help drivers in earlier road collision

January 12, 2025, 09:51

A police officer died after being hit by a truck while responding to an earlier road collision.

North Yorkshire Police Constable Rosie Prior was standing on the edge of the A19 at Bagby, near Thirsk, on Saturday morning when she and two other people were hit by a lorry just before 9am.

Pc Prior and Ryan Welford, 41, from Knaresborough, who were involved in the first collision, died at the scene.

A teenage boy who was a passenger in Mr. Welford’s car was also hit and remains in hospital in a serious but stable condition.

The lorry driver, a 65-year-old man from Berwick-upon-Tweed, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

North Yorkshire Police said he was released under investigation.

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Pc Prior’s family described her as a “loving mother, wife, daughter, sister and aunt” who will be “sorely missed”.

Police Chief Tim Forber paid tribute to the officer, confirming her death with “deep sadness”.

He said: “We are doing everything we can to support Rosie’s family, as well as the family of the man who also tragically died in this accident.

“This is undoubtedly a deeply traumatic and heartbreaking event for all involved.”

David Skaith, mayor of York and North Yorkshire, and Jo Coles, deputy mayor for policing, fire and crime, said they were “devastated”.

Their statement reads: “We feel for them and their families. Rosie’s commitment to serving the community, even outside of service, shows that she was the best of us.

“Our thoughts are also with the entire North Yorkshire Police family, who we know will mourn their colleague deeply.

“We especially want to thank the officers and staff who worked at the scene and are supporting those affected by this tragedy.”

Mr Welford’s family said: “Ryan was a hard-working and loving father, husband, son and brother.

“He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.”

The collision site reopened on Saturday around 7:20 p.m.

Two cars and a truck were recovered and the debris was cleaned up.

The Serious Collision Investigation Team is appealing for witnesses to the collision and drivers with relevant dash cam footage to email [email protected] quoting reference number 12250006038.