On the night of November 30, 2025, a tragic sequence of events unfolded on a stretch of the M5 motorway near Weston-super-Mare, Somerset, leaving a family and community grappling with unanswered questions and profound grief. Logan Smith, just 18 years old and reportedly in need of medical care, was being transported to hospital by ambulance when the vehicle pulled over onto the hard shoulder. The reason, according to multiple sources including Bristol Live and Yorkshire Live, was due to concerns expressed by the ambulance staff about Logan’s wellbeing.
What happened next would draw the attention of the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) and prompt a major investigation into the actions of both emergency and police services that night. As the ambulance stopped near the junction for Weston-super-Mare, Logan exited the vehicle and, in a moment that would prove fatal, entered the live lanes of the motorway. Paramedics, alarmed by the situation and fearing for Logan’s safety, immediately called Avon and Somerset Police for urgent assistance, as confirmed in statements by the IOPC and reported by ChronicleLive.
Within a short time, a single police officer arrived at the scene. According to the IOPC, body-worn video footage reveals that the officer attempted to engage with Logan, presumably in an effort to coax him to safety and away from the dangerous motorway. But the situation escalated rapidly. As the officer approached, they discharged a Taser, causing Logan to fall to the ground. Moments later, in a devastating turn, Logan was struck by a car traveling along the southbound carriageway. Despite the best efforts of emergency responders to administer first aid, Logan was pronounced dead at the scene.
The IOPC, which is now leading an independent investigation into the incident, has been careful to outline the steps taken so far. Derrick Campbell, director of the IOPC, issued a statement expressing his condolences: “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.”
In the days following the tragedy, the IOPC moved quickly to gather evidence. Investigators were dispatched to the police post-incident procedure, and initial accounts were taken from both the officer involved and the ambulance staff present at the scene. The IOPC also met with Logan’s family on December 2, 2025, to offer condolences, explain the investigative process, and provide further details about the circumstances, including the fact that a Taser had been discharged during the confrontation. The family, understandably devastated, requested privacy during what has been described by officials as a “difficult time.”
The coroner was notified promptly, and both formal identification and a post-mortem examination have been completed, as confirmed by the IOPC and reported by multiple outlets. The investigation is set to review not only the immediate actions of the police officer but also the broader context, including the decisions made by ambulance staff and the sequence of communication between emergency services.
Avon and Somerset Police, meanwhile, have stated that the officer’s intent was to bring Logan to safety and reduce the risk to him and others on the motorway. Assistant Chief Constable Joanne Hall spoke publicly on the matter, saying, “Our thoughts are with the man’s family at such a devastating time. We will support them in any way we can. This incident has had a significant effect on our officers and ambulance crews who are understandably incredibly upset by what happened.” She also emphasized that appropriate welfare arrangements are being made not only for the family but also for the staff and members of the public who witnessed the incident, highlighting the far-reaching impact of such traumatic events.
As is standard in such cases, a mandatory referral was made by the police’s professional standards department to the IOPC, which has already begun its independent investigation. Avon and Somerset Police have pledged full cooperation with the watchdog, reiterating their commitment to transparency and accountability in the wake of the tragedy.
The use of a Taser by police in high-stakes, high-risk situations is always subject to intense scrutiny, and this case is no exception. The IOPC’s investigation will focus on the actions and decisions taken by the police prior to Logan’s death, particularly the circumstances that led to the deployment of the Taser. Body-worn video footage, which has already been reviewed by investigators, will play a crucial role in piecing together the timeline and assessing the appropriateness of police conduct.
For the family and friends of Logan Smith, the coming weeks and months are likely to be filled with difficult questions and a search for answers. The IOPC has committed to keeping them updated throughout the process, and officials have underscored the importance of respecting the family’s privacy as the investigation continues. “We will continue to keep them updated and they request that their privacy be respected at such a difficult time,” the IOPC said in its official communication.
The wider community in Weston-super-Mare and beyond has also been touched by the incident, with local officials and support services mobilizing to offer assistance to those affected. The event has sparked renewed discussion about the challenges faced by emergency services when dealing with individuals in crisis, especially in dangerous environments like busy motorways. It also raises broader questions about the protocols for intervention, the use of force, and the support available for both those in distress and the professionals tasked with their care.
As the IOPC’s investigation progresses, all eyes will be on the findings and any recommendations that may emerge regarding police and ambulance protocols. For now, the focus remains on uncovering the truth of what happened that night and ensuring that all aspects of the incident are thoroughly examined.
Logan Smith’s death is a stark reminder of the complexities and pressures faced by emergency responders, as well as the devastating consequences that can result when situations escalate beyond anyone’s control. As the investigation continues, the hope is that lessons will be learned to prevent similar tragedies in the future and to bring some measure of closure to those left behind.
