A man who died in a serious crash on the M25 in Essex has been named. The motorway was shut for multiple hours on December 12 last year between junctions 28 and 30 with the death sadly being confirmed the following 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 on Thursday (January 9).
It was previously reported that a man was stopped by officers from Essex Police and took a roadside drugs test and was then arrested on suspicion of drug driving. Tragically the man was then in a collision with another vehicle.
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The M25 was closed for a number of hours whilst emergency services worked at the scene and caused serious delays and disruption throughout Essex.
At coroners’ 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 previously confirmed they had referred themselves to the Independent Office of Police Conduct (IOPC) following the death. Essex Police officers are being treated as witnesses to the accident.
Chief Superintendent Simon Anslow previously said: “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 yet to speak with police are asked to call 101 reference CAD 2866/12Dec.