Tributes paid to UCL grad killed in van crash in Preston

It happened just before Christmas


The family of a UCL grad, Cosmin Cocora, who was killed in a collision with a van on a rural Lancashire road have spoken out, describing him as “brilliant”.

He had been in and around the centre of Preston in the hours before the collision which took place on the A6 Garstang Road at 4:10am in the morning of the 22nd of December.

Cosmin Cocora

Witnesses saw him carrying a guitar, a black rucksack and a large wheeled suitcase that have yet to be found.

A silver GMC van hit Cosmin, and left him with significant head injuries and he was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics

In a statement, his family said: “With a deep sorrow the family announce the passing away of their only child, Cosmin Cocora, in a tragic collision.

“A brilliant young boy, University College London Graduate, very sensible and full of love, left us much too early at the age of 24.  RIP our dear son, we will love you forever.”

Garstrang road in Lancashire

Sergeant Tracey Ward from the Road Policing Unit of Lancashire police said: “We are trying to trace anyone who may have known Cosmin Cocora and ask they contact us in order that we may learn a little more about Cosmin’s movements prior to his death.

“Cosmin, as we understand, was leading a quiet existence in St Annes having moved to England from Romania to study.

“Shortly before his death we know he was in and around the centre of Preston with luggage in the form of a guitar in a case, a black rucksack and a large black wheeled suitcase. Unfortunately the large suitcase is missing and we are very keen to find it.

“If anyone can help with any information it would very much assist the investigation team. In piecing together Cosmin’s last movements we hope to provide his family with answers which may make the grieving process a little easier for them at this difficult time.”

Officers are also keen to trace an HGV that was travelling in the area at the time and may have witnessed the incident.

Sgt Ward added: “We are also still appealing for the driver of the HGV which may have seen something that could assist us with our investigation to come forward.”

It is still unclear as to why he was walking along the road.

Anyone with any information can contact Lancashire police on 101 quoting log 187 of December 22nd.