The young constable had served with the NSW Police Force for just 16 months. Her colleague was injured in the crash, which remains under investigation.
Mia Lay was just 20 years old and at the beginning of her policing career. She died in the early hours of Friday, 25 September, when the marked police car in which she was travelling as a passenger struck a tree in Redfern, Sydney.
The crash occurred at about 1.30am on Gibbons Street. Police said the patrol car was travelling with lights and sirens activated, responding to a reported vehicle theft in Glebe. Constable Lay died at the scene. The driver, a 24-year-old male constable, was treated by paramedics and taken to hospital in a stable condition.
The NSW Police Force paid tribute to Mia in a social media statement accompanied by a photograph of her in uniform. It expressed deep sorrow and offered condolences to her family, loved ones, colleagues and friends.
“This is a solemn day for the NSW Police Force and we stand united,” the statement said.
NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said Mia had served for just 16 months and had already shown considerable promise. He remembered her as a well-loved colleague, describing the loss of someone so young, with her career still ahead of her, as a tragedy.
Police Minister Yasmin Catley and NSW Premier Chris Minns also expressed their condolences. Catley spoke of Mia’s enthusiasm for her work, while Minns extended his thoughts to the injured officer and those who attended the scene.
A critical incident investigation has been launched. The Law Enforcement Conduct Commission, the state’s police oversight body, confirmed it is independently monitoring the investigation being conducted by NSW Police. A report will also be prepared for the coroner.
The circumstances of the crash remain under investigation. Lanyon said it was too early to provide details about the patrol car’s speed before investigators had completed their work.
The editorial team at Allora! extends its heartfelt condolences to Constable Mia Lay’s family, loved ones and colleagues. We stand with them in their grief and with all police officers who work every day to keep our communities safe. We honour their courage, dedication and service, and share in the sorrow of the NSW Police Force.
