A 44-year-old grandmother and her friend were tragically killed on their way home from hospital only hours after her daughter gave birth.
Marianne Parker and Damien Gregory, 38, were driving from The Royal Cornwall Hospital when his vehicle veered across the lane and crashed into a lorry at around 6:25 pm.
Both Mrs. Parker and Mr. Gregory died in the four-vehicle crash. It is believed that the 38-year-old may have nodded off while driving on March 28 after spending a long night at the hospital.
According to Cornwall Live, a witness described how Mr. Gregory’s Citroen had switched lanes before the accident.
Matthew Crisp, the driver of the HGV, said he had driven around a bend and suddenly saw the Citroen driving straight towards him.
“I have no idea where it came from and instantly thought ‘oh sh*t.’ I tried to avoid it but it was too late,” he said.
Stephen Covell, the assistant coroner for Cornwall, recorded the conclusion of the incident and said it was impossible to be certain how Mr. Gregory became distracted.
Tests also showed neither of the two had illegal or alcohol substances in their system and there was also no evidence that the driver was using his phone.
Grieving families of both victims paid tribute to the deceased.
Mrs. Parker’s family said: “Marianne, a loving daughter, sister, mother, stepmother and grandmother, was tragically taken away from us all.
“She is very sadly missed by everyone who knew her. Marianne had a beautiful, infectious smile and always lit up any room. She has been taken away far too early. She will always be in the hearts of everyone who knew her.”
Mr. Gregory’s family described him as the ‘life and soul,’ adding: “Damien was a loving son, brother, uncle and father, who tragically lost his life on March 28.
“He will be sadly missed by anyone that knew him. Damien was the life and soul, loving and kind, with the biggest heart. Taken far too early, RIP Damien Charles Gregory. Always in our hearts, forever in our memories.”
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