The wife of a 'devoted father' killed in a collision with a police car in central London has said his death has left a 'profound and lasting void'. David Clark, 35, died after being struck by a marked Metropolitan Police vehicle in Southwark in the early hours of Wednesday, 7 January 2026.
A Life Cut Short: Family's Heartbreak
David Clark, an Australian national living in Scunthorpe, Lincolnshire, leaves behind his wife, Celene, and their seven-month-old daughter. In a moving tribute, Celene Clark stated that her husband was 'not a headline, a statistic, or a passing news story'.
'My heart is completely broken,' she said. 'He was a loving husband, a devoted father to our baby daughter, a son, a brother, and a deeply cherished friend. His death has left a profound and lasting void in our lives.'
Investigation into the Fatal Collision
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has launched an investigation into the circumstances of the fatal road incident. It confirmed the collision occurred just after 12.30am as two police vehicles were travelling south on Borough High Street with sirens and emergency lights activated, responding to an emergency call.
'As the driver of the first police vehicle passed through the junction at Great Suffolk Street and Trinity Street, they were involved in a collision on the road with Mr Clark, who appeared to be crossing the road,' an IOPC statement explained. The drivers stopped and provided first aid, but Mr Clark was pronounced dead at the scene.
The watchdog is reviewing CCTV and body-worn video footage and will carry out further enquiries. A post-mortem has been conducted, and an inquest date is awaited.
Community Support in a Time of Grief
A friend of the family has set up a GoFundMe page to help cover funeral costs and support the family, as David was the sole breadwinner while Celene cared for their infant. The appeal has raised more than £15,000 from well-wishers.
Celene Clark thanked the public for their 'compassion and kindness', adding: 'Our focus is on caring for our daughter, supporting one another, and honouring David’s life away from public attention.'
