An 'inspirational and amazing' teacher was killed after a Land Rover driver 'lost control' and crashed into her.
Laura Jayne Hazeldine had been standing with her sister and friends outside of Fifteens bar, on Ormskirk Road, Wigan, on April 8, when the Freelander mounted the pavement and hit her. Another two men were also injured in the crash but are not believed to have sustained life-threatening injuries.
The 44-year-old mum was rushed to the Royal Albert Edward Infirmary but was pronounced dead, an inquest at Bolton Coroner's Court heard yesterday. Police coroner's officer Neil McCaffrey said: "The Land Rover attempted to over take a slow moving vehicle when the driver lost control of the vehicle and mounted the pavement."
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The teacher, who worked at a school in St Neots, Cambridge, was born in Billinge and had returned to her hometown to visit family, heading out with them to Fifteens bar, the MEN reports. Her cause of death has been listed as multiple injuries.
Mr McCaffrey said the driver was later arrested and charged in connection with the incident. Laura's inquest has now been adjourned with a review of the ongoing criminal proceedings set to take place on May 17 to see whether a date for a full inquest can be fixed.
Floral tributes left at the scene said Laura was a "beautiful soul taken too soon." On social media, her family dedicated tributes to the "most amazing and inspirational woman to grace the planet."
Her daughter, Maggie, posted pictures of the pair together alongside a heartfelt message which read: "On Friday night I lost my beautiful mother, I wish she was still here to hold my hand and tell me that everything is going to be okay.
"She was the most amazing and inspirational women to grace the planet, growing up I wish she knew that the woman I most wanted to be was her, she was brave and never let the world dull her kindness, I love you mumma, don’t know how I'm gonna do this without you."
Ernulf Academy in St Neots, where Laura was employed as a maths teacher, also paid tribute to her, with principal Avin Bissoo stating: "Laura was a much-loved and respected individual who made a huge impact during her time at Ernulf – She was not just our co-worker but our good friend as well.
"She was loved and respected by our staff and students; always available to offer a kind word, a smile, or a helping hand. She will be missed immensely. Laura’s death is tragic, untimely, and upsetting. I know that as a school community we will pull together and support each other during this time."
Jacob Gaskell, 19, appeared at Wigan and Leigh Magistrates' Court on Monday, April 11, charged with various driving offences in relation to the crash on Friday. He was remanded in custody ahead of his next appearance at Bolton Crown Court on May 16.
