Coronavirus: ‘Much loved’ detective dies after contracting COVID-19
Written by News on 18/04/2020
A detective and father-of-three who died after contracting COVID-19 has been remembered as “charismatic, kind and thoughtful”.
Detective Constable John Coker, 53, who served with the British Transport Police for more than 10 years, was “much loved and respected” and would be “greatly missed”, according to the force’s chief constable.
Mr Coker, who died on Friday night, is among the latest victims of the COVID-19 pandemic.
He was taken ill with coronavirus symptoms on 22 March.
After his health failed to improve he was admitted to hospital and transferred to an intensive care unit to receive critical treatment.
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Paying tribute to Mr Coker, who worked at Euston CID, BTP’s Chief Constable Crowther said: “My thoughts are with John’s family, for whom the last three weeks have been incredibly difficult and who will be struggling to deal with this most distressing outcome.
“Local colleagues have been in constant contact with John’s wife and will pass on the heartfelt condolences of us all.
“BTP will continue that support over the coming days, weeks and months.
“Understandably this is a very difficult time for John’s wife and family and they have asked for privacy.”
He added: “My thoughts are also with the many officers and staff who worked alongside John, as we each come to terms with this truly awful news.
“John has been part of the BTP family for over a decade and became a detective constable within the CID department at Euston where he was much loved and respected by all those he worked with.
“His colleagues remember a man who was charismatic, kind and thoughtful and took everything in his stride. He will be greatly missed by all in the force.”
Mr Coker is survived by his wife and their three children.
(c) Sky News 2020: Coronavirus: ‘Much loved’ detective dies after contracting COVID-19
