An off-duty cop tragically passed away after she was struck by a truck while helping a car crash victim on a highway over the weekend.
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According to the North Yorkshire Police Department in England, the off-duty cop, identified as Rosie Prior, was assisting Ryan Welford of Knaresborough, who was involved in a car crash in the North Yorkshire area at approximately 8:55 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 11, when they were struck by a large vehicle carrying heavy goods.
Both Prior and Welford died at the scene. They were standing together near a highway when the accident occurred.
“PC Rosie Prior — a response officer based in York — was hit by a heavy goods vehicle on the A19 at Bagby, near Thirsk,” law enforcement officials shared in a statement. “After she had pulled over to help other motorists who had been in an earlier, separate collision between a black Ford Focus and a silver Audi car.”
A teenage boy, who was in Welford’s vehicle at the time of the accident, sustained injuries. He was taken to a nearby hospital and is in stable condition.
Officials further confirmed that the driver of the truck was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. He has since been released from custody under investigation.
North Yorkshire Police Chief Constable Speaks Out After Off-Duty Cop Dies in Car Accident
Meanwhile, North Yorkshire Police Chief Constable Tim Forber spoke out following the death of off-duty cop Rosie Prior.
“It is with profound sadness to confirm the death of PC Rosie Prior on Saturday morning,” Forber shared. “Who was tragically killed while helping at the scene of a separate collision on the A19 near Bagby.”
Forber pointed out that the police department is doing everything possible to support Rosie’s and Welford’s families.
“This is clearly a deeply traumatic and heartbreaking event for everyone involved,” Forber continued. “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.”
“Rosie’s response team colleagues in York and from around the force are being supported at this extremely difficult time,” Forber added.
Prior notably joined the police force as a student officer in May 2022. She was described as a “loving mum, wife, daughter, sister, and auntie” who will “be deeply missed.”
Welford’s family also spoke out.
“Ryan was a hardworking and loving father, husband, son, and brother,” they shared. “He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.”