M25 Crash Driver Took Own Life on Day of Police Interview
William David Harvey, the driver of a van involved in a fatal collision on the M25, died by suicide hours before he was due to be interviewed by police, an inquest has heard. The 70-year-old was found dead at his home in Bean, near Dartford, on January 20, the same day he was scheduled to speak with authorities about the incident.
Details of the Fatal Collision
The tragic chain of events began on December 17, when a collision occurred on the M25 near Junction 4 at Orpington. Anthony Laskier, a grandfather riding his BMW motorcycle, was struck from behind by a white Ford Transit van driven by Mr Harvey at approximately 4.35pm. The impact proved fatal, with Mr Laskier succumbing to neck and chest injuries at the scene despite emergency response efforts.
The exit slip road at Junction 4 was subsequently closed as investigators worked to understand the circumstances of the collision. This closure caused significant disruption on the busy orbital motorway during the evening rush hour period.
The Day of the Tragedy
Coroner Katrina Hepburn, presiding over the inquest at Oakwood House in Maidstone, revealed that Mr Harvey had been scheduled to speak with police at 3pm on January 20 regarding the December collision. The day before his death, he had spent time consulting with his solicitor by telephone before retiring to bed with his wife at 11pm as usual.
Although he got up a couple of times during the night – which his family considered normal behavior – concern arose when his wife awoke to find him absent from their bed. She noticed his car was parked on the driveway rather than in the garage where it was typically kept. Upon investigating, she discovered her husband on the garage floor, where he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Coroner's Observations and Family Tributes
Ms Hepburn noted during the inquest hearing that "He had been struggling as a result of the crash" and acknowledged that "it had been a difficult time for William" in the weeks following the collision. She clarified that while there had been no specific threats of self-harm during the previous month, the psychological burden had clearly taken its toll.
The medical cause of death was formally recorded as fatal, self-inflicted gunshot injuries. A full inquest into the circumstances surrounding Mr Harvey's death has been scheduled for June 12, where additional evidence will be presented and examined.
Meanwhile, Anthony Laskier's family continues to mourn their loss. His wife Debbie previously paid heartfelt tribute to her husband, describing him as a "beautiful soul" whose absence has created an "unimaginable void" in their lives. She remembered him as a cherished husband, father, brother, grandfather, and friend whose kindness and laughter touched everyone fortunate enough to know him.
The family has requested privacy as they grieve and remember the man who brought so much love and joy to their world, emphasizing that he will remain forever in their hearts. This tragic case highlights the profound and far-reaching consequences of serious road traffic incidents, affecting not only those directly involved but also their families and communities in devastating ways.
