Trainee Police Officer's Fatal 100mph Crash Ruled Suicide at Inquest
An inquest has heard that a popular trainee police officer killed himself by crashing into a tree at a speed of nearly 100 miles per hour. Louie Day, aged 23, likely died instantly from his catastrophic injuries in the early hours of September 5 last year on the A414 near Ongar in Essex.
Details of the Tragic Collision
The fatal incident occurred on a major Essex road, with no direct witnesses present. Mr Day was discovered by a passing driver shortly after the collision, having been ejected from his vehicle and found lying on the roadway. Area Coroner Michelle Brown stated at Essex Coroner's Court in Chelmsford that the young officer was likely sitting on his seatbelt rather than wearing it properly at the time of impact.
Forensic analysis determined that Mr Day was probably driving between 96 and 99mph when he struck the tree. Medical examinations confirmed he sustained multiple severe injuries to his head, chest, and abdomen, with no traces of drugs or alcohol in his system.
Evidence Presented to the Coroner
The inquest heard compelling evidence pointing toward suicide. Most significantly, investigators found a note of intent left by Mr Day. Additionally, a delivery driver's witness statement described seeing a vehicle perform an unusual three-point turn in the middle of the road before apparently speeding away.
The witness reported: 'After it turned round, it looked like it was speeding away. It must have been doing faster than 40mph. As I drove on I saw smoke and mist in the road and then saw bits of car and realised something had happened.'
Coroner's Formal Conclusion
Coroner Michelle Brown delivered her formal conclusion: 'Louie Day from Brentwood died on September 5, 2025, on the A414 near King Street due to multiple injuries sustained as a result of a road traffic collision as the driver and only occupant, leaving a note of intent. The conclusion is one of suicide.'
Background and Road Safety Concerns
Mr Day had served as a police community support officer for two years before beginning his training with the Metropolitan Police as a response officer on the East Area Command, based from Barking and Dagenham. His death represents another tragic incident on the A414 between Chelmsford and Harlow, a road with a history of serious collisions.
Authorities are currently implementing safety improvements along this route, including:
- The installation of new average speed cameras
- A temporary 40mph speed limit during camera installation
- Ongoing work to reduce serious collisions
Family's Heartbreaking Statement
In a moving statement released through the inquest, Mr Day's grieving family said: 'It is with the greatest sadness that we announce the passing of our son, Louie Day, a beautiful soul who has left this world and will be greatly missed by all who loved him. We would now like some privacy to grieve in peace.'
The case highlights the profound mental health challenges that can affect those in demanding public service roles, even as road safety improvements continue on the dangerous stretch where this tragedy occurred.
