Tragedy on the A13: Kalin Hadzhiev Dies in Horror Crash
Fatal Smash Shakes Essex
An inquest has opened into the death of 45-year-old Kalin Hadzhiev, the second victim of a deadly collision on the A13 in Rainham on 14 February 2025.
Kalin, a Bulgarian living in Chafford Hundred, Essex, was driving a Honda Jazz eastbound near the Ferry Lane junction when disaster struck. A black Audi, speeding westbound, lost control. The Audi clipped another vehicle, sending it skidding and flipping over the central reservation before smashing into Kalin’s car.
A doctor from the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) declared Kalin dead at the scene.
Coroner Reveals Shocking Crash Details
At East London Coroner’s Court, Dr Shirley Radcliffe revealed clear CCTV and dash cam footage captured the moments leading up to and during the crash.
A post-mortem CT scan confirmed Kalin died from “multiple severe traumatic injuries.” The inquest has been adjourned pending further police investigations.
Family Mourns ‘Giant of a Man’
Before the hearing, friends and family, who simply knew him as “Kalin,” launched an online fundraiser in his memory. Described as “a man with an enormous soul,” Kalin was praised for his kindness, honesty, and selflessness.
The fund has raised nearly £8,000 so far to support his grieving wife and two children.
Other Victims and Ongoing Police Probe
- The Audi’s passenger, 37-year-old Laimonas Narvydas from Collier Row, also died. An inquest into his death has been opened.
- The Audi driver survived but suffered life-changing injuries.
- A man in his mid-40s was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and has been released on bail until late March.
The Metropolitan Police urge witnesses or anyone with dash cam footage to call 101, quoting reference CAD 4979/14Feb.
Stay tuned for updates as the investigation unfolds.
