Van driver shot himself hours before police interview over M25 death of grandfather Anthony Laskie

A van driver involved in a fatal crash on the M25 shot himself hours before he was due to be interviewed by police. Grandfather Anthony Laskier was riding his BMW bike on the busy motorway when it was "struck in the rear by a van" on December 17, at about 4.35pm.

Orpington resident Anthony Laskier was involved in a crash with a white Ford Transit van at junction four of the M25. Picture: Debbie Laskier

The collision with the white Ford Transit - driven by William David Harvey - happened near Junction 4 of the orbital network, near Oprington. Mr Laskier died at the scene from neck and chest injuries.

On January 20, Mr Harvey was found dead in the garage of his home in Southfleet Road, Bean, near Dartford. An inquest into his death opened at Oakwood House, Maidstone, on Monday, led by coroner Katrina Hepburn. It was confirmed Mr Harvey was due to speak to police about the incident at 3pm on the day of his death.

The court heard how the day before, he had spent time on the phone to his solicitor and went to bed with his wife at 11pm.

The coroner's court at Oakwood House, Maidstone

He got up a couple of times during the night, though this was considered normal.

However, his wife grew concerned when she woke and he was not in bed, and saw his car on the driveway rather than in the garage as it usually would be. When she investigated, she found the 70-year-old on the garage floor. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

"He had been struggling as a result of the crash," said Ms Hepburn. "Although there was no suggestion he had made any threats to harm himself over the last month, it had been a difficult time for William." The cause of death was given as fatal, self-inflicted gunshot injuries.

A full inquest will be held on June 12.

The exit slip road at M25 Junction 4, Orpington, was closed after the collision.

Picture: National Highways

Mr Lasiker's wife, Debbie, previously paid tribute to her husband[1] who had been described a "beautiful soul". She said: "Our hearts are broken as we share the loss of our beloved Anthony. "He was a cherished husband, father, brother, grandfather, and friend whose kindness and laughter touched everyone who knew him.

"Taken from us far too soon in a road traffic collision, his absence leaves an unimaginable void in our lives.

"We ask for privacy as we grieve and remember the beautiful soul who brought so much love and joy to our world.

"Forever in our hearts."

References

1. ^ paid tribute to her husband (www.kentonline.co.uk)