Married father-of-three British Transport Police detective constable, 53, dies in hospital from coronavirus after month-long battle with infection
- John Coker, 53, was admitted to hospital after being taken ill on March 22
- Detective Constable had been transferred to ICU to receive critical treatment
- He had worked for BTP for more than ten years and was based at London Euston
- Learn more about how to help people impacted by COVID
A ‘much loved and respected’ married father-of-three British Transport Police officer died last night after a month-long battle with coronavirus.
Detective Constable John Coker, 53, was admitted to hospital after being taken ill on March 22 and transferred to an intensive care unit to receive critical treatment.
Mr Coker had worked for the BTP for more than ten years and had been Detective Constable at London Euston station’s criminal investigation department.
Detective Constable John Coker, 53, died last night after contracting coronavirus
Mr Coker had been had been Detective Constable at London Euston station’s criminal investigation department
Paying tribute to Mr Coker, BTP Chief Constable Paul 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. 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. A spokesman for the British Transport Police Federation said his death was ‘devastating news’.
They added: ‘John’s loss will be felt throughout the force. We are supporting his family. Thank you for your kind words, we will ensure they know how much John will be missed.’
Tributes have poured in from police forces and fellow officers around the country, with one saying he was a ‘good man and will be terribly missed’.
Another said: ‘Awful, awful news. Condolences to his family, friends and colleagues across the BTP. Thank you for your service John, and rest in peace.’
A third added: ‘Sorry for your loss and thoughts go to John’s family. Tragic tot hink he would be looking forward to retirement in the coming years too.’
Britain is at or near the peak of an outbreak of the virus in which 14,576 people have already died – the fifth highest national death toll of the global pandemic.
There have been 108,692 cases across Britain and the country will remain in lockdown until at least May 7, the Government announced on Thursday.
