Derbyshire police 'saddened' by death of much-loved BTP officer with coronavirus

Detective Constable John Coker, 53, passed away last night (Friday, April 17) after being taken ill on March 22 with symptoms of Covid-19.

DC Coker was admitted to hospital and transferred to an intensive care unit to receive critical treatment – but despite the best efforts of health staff lost his battle with the virus.

Derbyshire police tweeted this afternoon: “We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of DC John Coker. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with his family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time.”

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Paul Crowther, Chief Constable of the BTP, 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.

“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.”

John is survived by his wife and their three children.