Louie Day, 23, was training with the Metropolitan Police when he crashed his car into a tree after reaching speeds of up to 100mph on the A414 near Ongar in Essex, an inquest heard
A police officer who crashed into a tree after speeding to 100mph died from suicide, an inquest ruled.
Louie Day, 23, was training with the Metropolitan Police at the time of the incident in the early hours of September 5 last year on the A414 near Ongar in Essex. There were no witnesses to the fatal collision, but he was found by a passerby shortly afterwards.
An inquest at Essex Coroner’s Court in Chelmsford heard on Thursday that Mr Day suffered multiple injuries to his head, chest and abdomen in the fatal crash. Mr Day had left a “note of intention” with a conclusion recorded as suicide.
Emergency services had been called to the A414 near King Street after the crash at around 3.30 am on September 5. Mr Day was found by a passing driver who saw him “lying on the floor” having been ejected from the car.
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Michelle Brown, Area Coroner for Essex, said Mr Day had likely died “instantly” and was “sitting” on his seatbelt rather than wearing it. Medical examinations found no evidence of drugs or alcohol in his system, reported EssexLive.
A delivery driver’s witness statement said a car travelling towards them was seen to do a three-point turn in the middle of the road which seemed “unusual”. The driver said: “After it turned round, it looked like it was speeding away. It must have been doing faster than 40mph.”
The witness added: “As I drove on I saw smoke and mist in the road and then saw bits of car and realised something had happened.” Experts estimate that Mr Day was “probably driving between 96 and 99 mph”.
Ms Brown concluded: “Louie Day from Brentwood died on September 5, 2025, on the A414 near King Street due to multiple injuries (head, chest and abdomen) 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.”
Mr Day was working as a response officer with the Metropolitan Police on the East Area Command, based from Barking and Dagenham. He had been a PCSO for two years beforehand.
In a statement, Louie’s 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.”
For emotional support you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email [email protected] , visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.
