An inquest has been formally opened into the tragic death of an 18-year-old man who was struck by a car on the M5 motorway after being tasered by a police officer.
Sequence of Events on the M5
Logan Smith, from Weston-super-Mare, was being transported to hospital in an ambulance late on November 30, 2025. Due to concerns of the ambulance staff, the vehicle pulled over onto the hard shoulder of the northbound M5, near the junction for his hometown.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) stated that Mr Smith subsequently exited the ambulance and entered the live lanes of the motorway. Ambulance staff called Avon and Somerset Police for assistance. A single-crewed officer arrived at the scene shortly afterwards.
The IOPC's account indicates the officer attempted to engage with Logan Smith before discharging their Taser. The discharge caused the young man to fall to the ground. Tragically, he was then struck by a car travelling along the southbound carriageway. Despite emergency first aid, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Formal Inquest Proceedings Begin
On Thursday afternoon, Assistant Coroner for Avon, Dr Peter Harrowing, opened and adjourned the inquest at Avon Coroner's Court. Coroner's officer Alexis Camp confirmed the death was confirmed at the motorway and Mr Smith was later identified by a fingerprint expert at the mortuary.
Ms Camp stated, "The circumstances are that the deceased is known to have died on November 30 2025, when he was hit by a vehicle on the M5 motorway. The circumstances leading to his death are under investigation."
A provisional cause of death was given by pathologist Dr Russell Delaney as multiple injuries, pending further laboratory results. No date has been set for when either the police or IOPC investigations will conclude.
Dr Harrowing listed Mr Smith's family, the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, Avon and Somerset Police, and the driver of the vehicle involved and their insurer as interested persons. A case review is scheduled for March 30.
Ongoing Investigations and Tributes
The IOPC has confirmed it is independently investigating the "actions and decisions" taken by police prior to Mr Smith's death. A spokesperson referenced body-worn video footage, stating it shows the officer's attempt to engage and the subsequent Taser discharge.
Derrick Campbell, IOPC Director, said: "My thoughts and sympathies are with Logan's family and friends and everyone affected by this shocking and tragic incident. We want to reassure everyone that we will independently investigate all the circumstances surrounding this incident, including the use of a Taser."
Avon and Somerset Police, speaking at the time, said the officer had acted in an attempt to bring Mr Smith to safety and reduce risk to him and the public. Assistant Chief Constable Joanne Hall said the force's thoughts were with the family and that welfare support was being provided to all involved, including officers, ambulance crews, and witnesses.
Following his death, friends paid heartfelt tributes online to Logan, who had a passion for motorcycles and studied plumbing at Weston College. One friend wrote, "RIP Logan, taken far too soon," while another said, "heartbroken is an understatement."
