A man who died in a serious crash on the M25 has been named. The motorway was closed for a number of hours on December 12, from junctions 28 to 30 in Essex, with the fatality being confirmed the next day.
Now, 28-year-old Jake Brown, from Kent, has been named as the victim of the crash following the opening of his inquest at Essex Coroners’ Court today (January 9). It had been reported earlier that a man was stopped by Essex Police, underwent a roadside drugs test, and was arrested on suspicion of drug driving.
Tragically, the man was subsequently involved in a collision with another vehicle. The incident led to the M25 being shut for several hours while emergency services attended the scene.
At the coroner’s court, court co-ordinator Jordan Brown said: “On December 12, 2024 Mr Brown was struck by a vehicle on the M25 in Upminster. Police carried out CPR at the scene but he sadly died.
“[A post mortem examination] gave a provisional cause of death as 1A head injury and 1B road traffic collision with pedestrian.” Senior Coroner Lincoln Brookes said: “I formally open the inquest into the death of Mr Brown, I would normally adjourn to the next hearing but I have had a request from the Metropolitan Police to suspend the inquest pending the outcome of the criminal investigation.
“So I will do so and I will review the investigation in four months time. I also ask for my deepest condolences to be conveyed to the family and loved ones of Mr Brown.”
Essex Police had earlier confirmed they had referred themselves to the Independent Office of Police Conduct (IOPC) following the incident. The officers from Essex Police are being treated as witnesses to the accident.
Chief Superintendent Simon Anslow had previously stated: “Our thoughts are with the man’s family and friends at this difficult time. We have made a mandatory referral to the IOPC and it has decided to take on the investigation independently.
“We know this incident will be concerning to the public and we are being as transparent as possible at this early stage of the investigation. Our officers are witnesses to this tragic incident and are being supported.”
Any witnesses who have not yet spoken to the police are asked to call 101 using the reference: CAD 2866/12Dec.