Mother-of-Eight Killed in Horrific M25 Crash During Police Chase
Tragic Collision on London’s M25
A beloved mother-of-eight and grandmother, Zoe Hawes, 40, from Canvey Island, Essex, was killed in a devastating crash on the M25 last Sunday. The fatal collision involved a stolen van and three other vehicles. Zoe was on her way to celebrate her 40th birthday with her husband, who remains in critical condition following the smash.
Police Pursuit Ends in Catastrophe
The crash happened during a high-speed police chase after a stolen Citroën van. The pursuit spiralled out of control, causing a massive pile-up. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has launched a full investigation into the incident and the actions of the officers involved before the fatal collision.
Family Mourns ‘Heart of Our Blended Family’
Zoe’s family paid tribute to her as the “heart of our blended family” — a cherished mother, stepmother, grandmother, sister, and aunt. Their heartbreak is palpable as they grieve a life cut tragically short, just as she looked forward to celebrating a milestone birthday.
A fundraising page to help cover funeral costs has raised over £6,300, reflecting overwhelming community support.
Police Appeal for Witnesses
Detective Inspector Mark Fraser from Essex Police called on anyone with information or dashcam footage to come forward. “We need to piece together the events leading up to this tragic crash,” he said. Authorities stress that the investigation is ongoing and crucial to understanding how this heartbreaking accident unfolded.
