Young Officer Mia Lay Killed in Redfern Crash
Twenty-year-old Constable Mia Lay, with just 16 months on the force, died when a police vehicle struck a tree. A male constable driving the car was hospitalized in stable condition.
Constable Mia Lay, a 20-year-old officer with the South Sydney Police Area Command, has died following a crash in Redfern early Friday morning. The incident occurred around 1:30 a.m. when the police vehicle she was a passenger in collided with a tree. The impact was severe, reportedly tearing the Volkswagen apart, and Lay died at the scene.
The driver of the police car, a male constable, received treatment from paramedics and was transported to the hospital in stable condition.
NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon stated that Constable Lay had been with the force for only 16 months but had already shown "exceptional promise" and was "well loved." He described her death as a "terrible tragedy" and noted that she was on the cusp of becoming an "outstanding police officer."
Police Minister Yasmine Catley shared that Lay's colleagues referred to her as an "angel." Her parents, Catley added, spoke of their daughter's passion for her job and pride in being a New South Wales Police officer.
The crash is being monitored by the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission, the NSW Police watchdog, to "ensure public confidence." The commission can conduct an independent investigation once the NSW Police probe and any subsequent coronial or criminal proceedings are concluded.
Premier Chris Minns expressed his condolences, extending thoughts to the injured officer and those who responded to the scene. A section of Regent Street in Redfern remains closed in both directions between Lawson and Cleveland streets, and motorists are advised to avoid the area.