Grandmom tragically dies in car crash after welcoming grandchild as her friend nods off while driving
MARAZANVOSE, CORNWALL: A grandmother and her friend tragically died in a road accident while returning home after spending a long night at the hospital welcoming her daughter’s newborn baby. Marianne Parker, 44, was being driven home by her friend Damien Gregory, 38, when his Citroen veered across the A30 between Chiverton and Carland Cross before colliding with an oncoming heavy goods vehicle.
Mrs Parker, from Tintagel, and Mr Gregory, from Camelford, were pronounced dead at the scene of the four-vehicle collision at Marazanvose in Cornwall on March 28. It is reportedly believed that Mr Gregory fell asleep at the wheel after a long night at the Royal Cornwall Hospital, where Mrs Parker’s daughter gave birth to her baby, reported Daily Mail.
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An inquest at Truro Coroner's Court on Monday, October 24 heard from various road users, who witnessed Gregory’s Citroen colliding with the incoming lorry. One person told the court that he witnessed the Citroen diverging into the path of an incoming HGV during the collision, causing the lorry to skid towards it.
Damien Gregory was driving his friend Marianne Parker back from the Royal Cornwall Hospital after the birth of her granddaughterhttps://t.co/GD8aTb4v9T
— ITV News West Country (@itvwestcountry) October 24, 2022
The driver of the HGV, Matthew Crisp, also took a stand in the court and said that he rounded a slight bend to see the Citroen in his lane coming towards him, Cornwall live reports. “I have no idea where it came from and instantly thought ‘oh s**t’, I tried to avoid it but it was too late.” Crisp said.
Medical tests presented in the court confirmed that both friends died from multiple injuries suffered during the collision. The tests also revealed neither of the victims had alcohol or illegal substances in their blood. Assistant coroner for Cornwall Stephen Covell concluded that inquest by recording a conclusion of a road traffic collision before expressing his condolences to both families. During the recording, the coroner also noted that it was impossible to be certain how Mr Gregory had become distracted.
The tragic death of the two friends has left their families devastated. Talking about the heart-wrenching accident, Mr Gregory's grief-stricken father, Rodney, revealed that at the time of the crash they were heading back to Delabole to get Marienne’s car from his place. “Damien was a much-loved character and always put others first before himself. He leaves a void that cannot be filled and is someone who we’ll dearly miss.” Rodney said. Mrs Parker's family also paid tribute to the ‘beautiful and strong’ lady and 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."