Tragic death of ‘loyal and funny’ woman trying to exit crashed car when lorry hits

A “much loved” woman lost her life on the A30 near Whiddon Down while attempting to exit a vehicle following a crash, an inquest has heard.

Clare Laskey, 47, from The Lizard, Cornwall, suffered fatal injuries as she climbed out of the car and a lorry struck the vehicle, Exeter Coroners Court was told. The inquest heard that Ms Laskey and her partner of 14 years had been travelling to Bristol airport on 15 October 2024.

While making their way along the A30 dual carriageway near Whiddon Down, the silver Kia being driven by Ms Laskey’s partner hit standing water, aquaplaned and rolled onto its roof. The collision occurred at approximately 10pm.

Following the vehicle rolling, Ms Laskey’s partner asked her to vacate the car. He climbed out of the vehicle, and as Ms Laskey began to do the same, a lorry collided with the Kia, reports Devon Live. Exeter Coroners Court heard on July 27, 2026, that conditions on the night of the crash were wet, windy and rainy.

In a letter read aloud at the inquest, the lorry driver stated he had been travelling along the A30 when he noticed a man waving his arms in the nearside lane.

The driver said that “before he had time to think” he hit the car which had no lights and did not see it prior to impact. He said he was “devastated by what happened”.

Emergency services were dispatched to the scene, but despite their best efforts, Ms Laskey was pronounced dead at the scene shortly after 11pm. In a tribute released following the incident, Ms Laskey’s family stated: “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.”

Numerous tributes were shared online after Ms Laskey’s death. She was characterised as “much loved” and “always remembered”.

Alison Longhorn, Area Coroner stated: “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 was told that Clare died as a result of chest and lower limb injuries and there were no suspicious circumstances.

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