Zoe Hawes was travelling to go on holiday to celebrate her 40th birthday when the incident occurred.
HertsPolice
The family of a woman who was on her way to celebrate her 40th birthday when she was killed in a collision on the M25 have paid tribute to a “wonderful mummy and nanna”.
Zoe Hawes, from Canvey Island in Essex, was heading off on holiday when a van which had been involved in a police pursuit collided with three vehicles at around 4am on Sunday between junctions 22 and 21A – London Colney and St Albans.
A second man travelling in a different vehicle was also killed in the collision.
In a tribute released through the police, Zoe’s family said: “Zoe was the heart of our blended family.
“She was a role model to everyone and the centre of our family. She was a very much loved mum, step mum, sister, aunt and lovely young nanna.
“She was a friend to many. She was very much looking to go on holiday to celebrate her 40th with her husband.”
No police vehicles were involved in the crash and the pursuit had been stood down before the collision, Hertfordshire Constabulary said.
The driver of the van was taken to hospital and remains in a serious condition.
A man in his twenties has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.
The family statement added: “Sadly a holiday and birthday she didn’t get to celebrate. We are all trying to pull together as a family and are devastated to lose Zoe in this tragic way.
“We wouldn’t have changed her for the world and she leaves an enormous hole in our family that will never be filled.
“We love you and will miss you forever xx.”
A Citroen Dispatch van which had been reported stolen was spotted by officers from the force on the M1 at around 3.40am, the IPOC said.
The officers initiated a pursuit after failing to stop the driver with lights and sirens, but it was abandoned shortly after with the risk of continuing deemed too high.
A second pursuit of the van was made shortly before 4am on Breakspear Way in Hemel Hempstead, but was also abandoned.
The vehicle was then seen by an officer as it was travelling on the wrong side of the M25.
The officer followed the van on the correct side of the road but did not activate their lights or sirens, the IOPC said.
A collision between the van and other vehicles then occurred between junctions 21a and 22 on the motorway at around 4.08am.
Essex Police has launched a criminal investigation into the crash.
The IOPC said it was gathering and reviewing evidence to piece together the incident, including police dashcam footage and officers’ body-worn video footage, motorway CCTV and police call logs and radio transmissions.
IOPC regional director Charmaine Arbouin said: “Our thoughts are with all those affected by this tragic incident. Given that police officers were pursuing one of the vehicles before the fatal collision, it’s important that we independently investigate the actions and decision-making of the officers involved.
“We will ensure that our inquiries do not impede the police investigation, and we will keep those involved regularly updated.”
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