A British Transport Police officer and father of three has died from coronavirus as the UK death toll tops 14,500.
DC John Coker, 53, fell unwell in late March with symptoms of Covid-19.
When his health didn’t improve, he was admitted to hospital before being transferred to an intensive care unit where he sadly passed away on Friday night.
His colleagues have paid tribute to the “charismatic, kind and thoughtful” officer as well as offering their condolences to his wife and three children.
In a statement, Chief Constable Paul Crowther said: “John was taken ill on 22nd March with symptoms of coronavirus.
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“After his health did not improve he was admitted to hospital and transferred to an intensive care unit to receive critical treatment.
“Despite the best efforts of hospital staff, John’s health did not improve, and he passed away on Friday 17 April.
“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.”
John is survived by his wife and their three children.
As of Saturday morning, there were over 108,000 confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK, and 14,576 deaths.
Meanwhile, earlier this week, Transport for London confirmed 26 members of staff have lost their lives to the disease as unions urge TfL to provide basic PPE equipment to all their employees.
