A POLICE officer tragically died in a horror crash after losing control on his motorbike and hitting a central barrier, an inquest heard.
PC Mathew Parker had been called out to an emergency before he was involved in the fatal collision between Brentwood and Chelmsford at around 12.25pm on November 19.
Essex Coroner’s Court heard that 43-year-old Mr Parker, from Loughton, died from “traumatic head injuries” when he crashed into a central barrier.
Paramedics sadly pronounced him dead at the scene, on the A12, near Ingatestone.
Area Coroner Michelle Brown told the hearing: “On November 19, this 43-year-old serving police officer was responding to an incident and travelling on blue lights.
“He was involved in a single-vehicle collision when he lost control of his motorcycle and collided with a central barrier.”
The inquest heard PC Parker joined Essex Police in 2010, and was most recently working with the Chigwell Roads Policing Team.
He was a member of the Iron Order Motorcycle Club and owned a Harley-Davidson bike.
Tributes have poured in following PC Parker’s tragic death.
In a statement, his heartbroken family said: “Mat lived a life defined by dedication and integrity.
“Beyond his service as a proud Essex Police officer, he was a man of strong values and a generous heart.
“He found joy and freedom on his motorcycle, and his passion for riding reflected his love of adventure and camaraderie.
“He was also a proud member of the Iron Order Motorcycle Club, where he built lasting friendships and shared countless rides with those who shared his love for the open road and brotherhood.
“Mat will be remembered not only for his courage and commitment but for the warmth he brought to those closest to him.
“His family and friends will forever cherish his laughter, his honesty, and the strength of his character.
“His spirit will live on in the memories and love he gave so freely. He will remain forever in their hearts.”
Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington said PC Parker died “doing his job – protecting and serving the people of Essex”.
And Chief Superintendent Simon Anslow, head of Essex Police’s Operational Policing Command, said Mat “made the ultimate sacrifice and gave his life while responding to a call for help”.
The senior officer added: “Mat was brave, he was courageous, and we are all grateful to him for his service. We stand united in grief with his heartbroken family and continue to support them through this unimaginably difficult time.”
Meanwhile Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington hailed the officer as “courageous” and “dedicated”.
He added: “My thoughts and prayers, and those of the entire Essex Police family, are with the officer’s family and friends.
“I want to pay tribute to our professional and courageous colleague.
“He was a dedicated professional who died doing his job – protecting and serving the people of Essex. I will always be grateful for his service.
“We are supporting the officer’s colleagues and his family at this extremely difficult time.
“I would ask that people do not speculate about the collision and the circumstances around it.
“Please let our experienced and professional investigators carry out their work.
“I also want to thank the public who were affected by the collision for their patience, understanding, and co-operation with officers.
“And our emergency service colleagues who responded to the collision.”
