Trainee Police Officer's Death Ruled Suicide After High-Speed Crash
An inquest has determined that a popular trainee police officer died by suicide after deliberately crashing his car into a tree at almost 100 miles per hour. Louie Day, aged 23, was thrown from his vehicle and likely died instantly in the early hours of September 5, 2025, on the A414 near Ongar, Essex.
Details of the Tragic Incident
Experts testified at Essex Coroners' Court that Louie was probably driving between 96 and 99 mph when his vehicle collided with the tree. There were no direct witnesses to the crash, but a passerby discovered Louie lying on the ground after being ejected from the car. He was found sitting on, rather than under, his seatbelt and sustained multiple severe injuries to his head, chest, and abdomen.
Medical examinations confirmed no traces of drugs or alcohol in his system at the time of the incident. A delivery driver provided a witness statement noting that shortly before the crash, a car performed an unusual three-point turn in the middle of the road before speeding away at an estimated rate faster than 40 mph.
Background and Family Statement
Louie Day was training as a response officer with the Metropolitan Police's East Area Command, based in Barking and Dagenham. Prior to this role, he had served as a Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) for two years. The inquest, held at Chelmsford on February 26, 2026, revealed that Louie had left a note of intention before his death.
Area Coroner Michelle Brown stated, "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."
In a heartfelt statement, Louie's family expressed, "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."
Road Safety Concerns and Ongoing Measures
This tragic event adds to a series of fatalities on the A414 between Chelmsford and Harlow. Authorities are actively working to enhance safety on this route and reduce serious collisions. Current efforts include the installation of new average speed cameras aimed at monitoring and controlling vehicle speeds more effectively.
The delivery driver who witnessed events leading up to the crash added, "As I drove on I saw smoke and mist in the road and then saw bits of car and realised something had happened." This account underscores the sudden and violent nature of the collision.
Support services are available for those in emotional distress, including the Samaritans 24-hour helpline at 116 123 and HOPELINE247 at 0800 068 4141. The community and law enforcement colleagues mourn the loss of a dedicated young officer whose life ended under heartbreaking circumstances.
