Officer killed on hard shoulder ‘paid ultimate sacrifice’ says coroner

Pc Mark Goodlad, 41, died from his injuries at the scene after the Scania heavy goods vehicle ploughed into his BMW X5 patrol car and the grey Suzuki Swift which had come to a halt on the southbound hard shoulder just after junction 39 near Crigglestone.

The West Yorkshire Police officer was on mobile patrol when he pulled over to assist the 51-year-old Suzuki driver at 4.15pm on October 24.

Pc Goodlad was standing between the two cars when the lorry hit them and died just over an hour later despite the efforts of paramedics and the air ambulance crew, an inquest opening at Wakefield Coroners’ Court heard.

The lorry driver, a 44-year-old man from the Oldham area, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and has since been bailed pending further enquiries.

“It is with great sadness that despite all the efforts to save him, Pc Goodlad paid the ultimate sacrifice during the line of duty,” the coroner said.