Woman who died in crash following police pursuit named

A woman who was fatally injured in a crash following a police pursuit has been named by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

Karen Joseph, 62, died in hospital on August 28, after the crash on Warwick Road near Stratford-upon-Avon on August 24 around 5.40pm - in which a 19-year-old man also died.

Roman Kalas was driving a black Audi A3, and the IOPC said it has obtained dashcam footage from a Warwickshire Police car which pursued the Audi for around six minutes before the crash.

He failed to stop for officers on Birmingham Road, at which point the car activated its siren and emergency lights, according to the watchdog.

Mr Kalas travelled back towards Stratford on the A439 Warwick Road before the crash with Mrs Joseph, who was driving a Ford Puma.

He died at the scene from traumatic head and chest injuries, according to a post-mortem examination initial cause of death.

Mrs Joseph, from Stratford-upon-Avon, was taken to hospital with critical injuries before being pronounced dead. Her daughter also suffered minor injuries.

Inquests for Mr Kalas and Mrs Joseph are due to be opened by the coroner for Warwickshire, Sean McGovern, on Friday.

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IOPC director Derrick Campbell said: "Our deepest sympathies are with the family and friends and everyone affected by the deaths of Roman Kalas and Karen Joseph.

"We have spoken with both families to advise them of our investigation, and they will be provided with regular updates. They have requested privacy at this difficult time.

"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."

Sky News

(c) Sky News 2026: Woman who died in crash following police pursuit named

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