Constable Mia Lay died instantly after a police car crashed into a tree on Gibbons Street in Redfern at about 1.30am on Friday. Police said she was responding to reports of a stolen vehicle when the crash happened.
Lay had served with the force for 16 months and was based in the South Sydney Police Area Command. Commissioner Mal Lanyon said she was well loved and said the force had formed a critical investigation into the crash.
Gibbons Street in Redfern
Police said the car was travelling with its lights and sirens activated when it struck the tree. Lanyon said officers on urgent duty are exempt under the Australian road rules and can exceed the speed limit.
He also said police need to examine the scene thoroughly so they can understand what happened. The investigation will look at speed and road conditions as part of that work.
Mal Lanyon tribute
Lanyon said, "She showed exceptional promise and was well loved." He added, "She would have been an outstanding police officer."
He described the death as "a terrible tragedy" and said, "We are here, we will support each other as police officers." Lay’s death leaves investigators trying to piece together the exact combination of speed, road conditions, and other factors that sent the vehicle into the tree.
