Karen Joseph, 62, has died after a black Audi involved in a six-minute police pursuit crashed into her Ford Puma in Stratford-upon-Avon.
Mrs Joseph was critically injured in the collision on the A439 Warwick Road at about 5.44pm on Monday, 24 August. Her daughter, who was travelling as a passenger, suffered minor injuries.
The driver of the Audi, 19-year-old Roman Kalas, died at the scene. A post-mortem examination recorded the initial cause of death as traumatic head and chest injuries. ([policeconduct.gov.uk](https://www.policeconduct.gov.uk/news/iopc-update-stratford-upon-avon-fatal-road-collision?utm_source=openai))
Independent investigation into Stratford-upon-Avon police pursuit crash
Warwickshire Police said officers had tried to stop the black Audi on Birmingham Road at about 5.23pm after it failed to pull over. The vehicle travelled towards the A46 before turning back towards Stratford, with the pursuit continuing for around six minutes.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct said dashcam footage showed that the police car was being driven by a single officer, with its sirens and emergency lights activated. Investigators are examining the circumstances of the pursuit and the subsequent collision. ([policeconduct.gov.uk](https://www.policeconduct.gov.uk/news/iopc-update-stratford-upon-avon-fatal-road-collision?utm_source=openai))
Several other vehicles were also reported to have been damaged during the incident. Another driver attended hospital for assessment, although their injuries were not believed to be serious, according to Warwickshire Police. ([warwickshire.police.uk](https://www.warwickshire.police.uk/news/warwickshire/news/2026/august/woman-remains-in-critical-condition-following-pursuit-near-stratford/?utm_source=openai))
IOPC investigators attended the crash scene and the police post-incident procedure on the evening of 24 August. They have since retraced the route and identified potential CCTV footage, while appealing for anyone with dashcam or doorbell footage to come forward.
Derrick Campbell, the IOPC director, said: “Our deepest sympathies are with the family and friends and everyone affected by the deaths of Roman Kalas and Karen Joseph.”
He added: “Given two members of the public have died in an incident involving a police pursuit, it’s important that an independent investigation is carried out to establish the full circumstances.”
The families of both Mr Kalas and Mrs Joseph have been informed of the investigation and have asked for privacy.
Inquests into their deaths are due to open on Friday, 4 September. ([policeconduct.gov.uk](https://www.policeconduct.gov.uk/news/iopc-update-stratford-upon-avon-fatal-road-collision?utm_source=openai))
