A police watchdog has confirmed that an 18-year-old man who died on the M5 motorway last weekend was discharged with a Taser by an officer moments before being struck by a car.
Chronology of a Fatal Night
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) stated that Logan Smith, from Weston-super-Mare, was being transported to hospital in an ambulance late on Sunday evening. The incident occurred at approximately 11pm on 30 November 2025.
Due to concerns raised by ambulance staff, the vehicle pulled over onto the hard shoulder of the M5's northbound carriageway, close to the junction for Weston-super-Mare. Logan subsequently exited the ambulance and entered the live lanes of the motorway.
Ambulance crews called Avon and Somerset Police for assistance. A single-crewed officer arrived at the scene shortly afterwards.
The IOPC Investigation Unfolds
The police watchdog has launched an investigation into the 'actions and decisions' taken by police prior to Logan's death. IOPC Director Derrick Campbell stated that body-worn video footage shows the officer attempted to engage with Logan before discharging the Taser.
'A short time later discharged their Taser, causing Logan to fall to the ground,' a spokesman said. 'Soon afterwards, he was struck by a car travelling along the southbound carriageway.'
Despite receiving emergency first aid at the scene, Logan was pronounced dead. The IOPC confirmed that the coroner has been informed and a post-mortem examination has been conducted.
Reactions and Ongoing Scrutiny
Derrick Campbell extended the IOPC's sympathies to Logan's family and friends, describing the event as a 'shocking and tragic incident'. He assured that the investigation would be independent and would scrutinise all circumstances, including the use of the Taser.
IOPC investigators have already begun gathering evidence, taking initial accounts from the involved officer and ambulance staff. The watchdog met with Logan's family on Tuesday to explain its role and provide details of the investigation.
Avon and Somerset Police stated that the officer had been attempting to bring Logan to safety to reduce risk to him and the public. Assistant Chief Constable Joanne Hall said the force's thoughts were with Logan's family and that the incident had a significant impact on the responding officers and ambulance crews.
A mandatory referral was made to the IOPC by the force's professional standards department, which has pledged full cooperation.
This incident follows another IOPC investigation into the death of 17-year-old Tamzin Hall, who was killed on the same motorway in November 2024 after fleeing from a police car.
