American pushed wife out of harm’s way and took ‘full force’ of attack

Tourist Kurt Cochran pushed his wife out of the way of Khalid Masood’s oncoming vehicle and “took the full force” of the attack, the inquest heard.

Mr Cochran, who was 54 at the time of his death, was visiting London with his wife Melissa when he became the first victim of the Westminster Bridge attack.

Yesterday’s inquest opened with touching accounts from Mr Cochran’s family, including Angela Stoll, his sister, who spoke on behalf of Mrs Cochran because “she didn’t think she could get through it herself ”.

Mrs Cochran described the day her husband was killed as a “cowardly attack on humanity”. She said: “He was my best friend, my husband and my hero. I was so lucky to have had 25 wonderful years with the man of my dreams.

“He made me laugh every single day. I cherish every single memory we made.

“I am forever grateful for the time we had together, allowing me to be the mother to his children, and especially his heroic actions on that day, saving my life.”

Mr Cochran, an American citizen from Utah, was hit by Masood’s car and thrown off the bridge on to the embankment.

He was pronounced dead at the scene and a pathologist later concluded he died from severe head injuries. Closing the account of her husband at the Old Bailey, Mrs Cochran said: “My husband, my friend, my love, my mentor, my admirer, my inspiration, my rock star. I miss you with all my heart.”