The grieving family of Mia Lay, a 20-year-old constable who was tragically killed in a car crash while on duty last Friday, have paid tribute to the young officer.
The family gathered at a memorial site in Sydney’s inner south to pay tribute to the fallen constable. Mia died after her and a colleague responded to reports of a car theft at about 1.30am on Friday, when their police car collided with a tree in Redfern.
Mia died on site. Her colleague was treated at the scene before being transported to the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in a stable condition with facial injuries.
Mia’s father, Clem Lay, remembered his daughter as someone who was “full of life” and “very strong-minded”.
“She’s always been a sporty child, blessed with athletic ability. She’s always happy all the time, full of life,” he told 9News.
“I’m just sorry that she’s gone.”
Mia was a high-level sports star in her youth, playing soccer for APIA Leichhardt FC. She had only been in the police force for a few months before the tragic crash.
“She had always good coaches, JJ Robbie from Leichhardt. She was on the cusp of being an extremely good player,” Clem said.
“The last time we had an in-depth conversation, she was enjoying herself in the force. [She] met the love of her life, Dan, and was extremely happy.”
Mia’s partner, Dan Vasquez, an officer stationed at the Eastern Beaches Police Area Command, was on duty when tragedy struck.
“I’ve just lost the love of my life, and she will be missed by everyone,” he said.
Clem said his daughter was considering a career in the NSW Police Force’s Dog Squad, following in the footsteps of her aunt who works as a senior officer in the State Crime Command.
“She was very strong-willed. Like last week, she came over, and she was very strong-headed — asked me to paint my son’s room.
“I just did it the day before. I was going to call her, tell her to come over and have a look, ‘I’ve done it finally’… and then the next morning, the police officer is at my door giving me the sad news.”
Tributes have poured in from across the country, with s NSW Premier Chris Minns, Acting Commissioner Dave Hudson and Police Minister Yasmin Catley among those who have shared their support for Mia’s family as they are grieving the loss.
Mia’s father agreed to speak publicly to Nine because he wanted his daughter to be remembered for her life, not death.
“I couldn’t be prouder of her,” he said.
“Most of all, I love you Mia. You won’t be forgotten. You will be sorely missed by all of us.”
Image: 9News
