Clare Laskey, 47, from The Lizard, Cornwall, died after a crash on the A30 near Whiddon Down when she attempted to exit her vehicle and a lorry struck it, an inquest has heard.
Ms Laskey and her partner of 14 years were travelling to Bristol airport on 15 October 2024. At about 10pm, the silver Kia being driven by her partner hit standing water, aquaplaned and rolled onto its roof on the dual carriageway.
Partner’s warning and collision
Following the roll, Ms Laskey's partner told her to leave the car. He climbed out first, and as she began to follow, a lorry collided with the Kia, Exeter Coroners Court heard on 27 July 2026. Conditions that night were wet, windy and rainy.
In a letter read at the inquest, the lorry driver said he saw a man waving his arms in the nearside lane and that “before he had time to think” he hit the car, which had no lights. He said he was “devastated by what happened”.
Emergency response and tribute
Emergency services attended, but Ms Laskey was pronounced dead at the scene shortly after 11pm. Her family said: “We are devastated by the loss of our beautiful, loyal and funny daughter, partner, sister and aunt in such tragic circumstances. She will be sadly missed by us all including her friends and the amazing Lizard community. Forever in our hearts.”
Area Coroner Alison Longhorn said: “This is a truly tragic accident. I would like to recognise the efforts of the responding emergency service personnel. It is very apparent that they made valiant efforts to try and save Clare's life.” The inquest recorded death from chest and lower limb injuries, with no suspicious circumstances.
