Clare Laskey, 47, from The Lizard, suffered fatal injuries while climbing out of a silver Kia that had overturned on the A30 near Whiddon Down. The vehicle was struck by a lorry as she attempted to exit, Exeter Coroners Court heard.
Collision and Fatal Outcome
Ms Laskey and her partner of 14 years were travelling to Bristol airport on October 15, 2024. At around 10pm, the car encountered standing water, aquaplaned and overturned onto its roof. After the rollover, her partner asked her to leave the vehicle. He got out, and as Ms Laskey started to exit, a lorry collided with the Kia.
Despite the efforts of emergency services, Ms Laskey was pronounced dead at the scene shortly after 11pm. The inquest, held on July 27, 2026, established that her death resulted from chest and lower limb injuries, with no suspicious circumstances.
Driver's Account
In a letter read at the inquest, the lorry driver said he was travelling along the A30 when he saw a man gesturing in the nearside lane. He stated that "before he had time to think" he struck the car, which had no lights on and he had not seen it before impact. He said he was "devastated by what happened".
The court heard that conditions on the night of the collision were wet, windy and rainy.
Family Tributes
In a heartfelt tribute, Ms Laskey's 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."
Online tributes described her as "much loved" and "always remembered". Area Coroner Alison Longhorn commented: "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."
