‘Won’t be forgotten’: Heartbroken family pays tribute to young constable
The grieving family of a 20-year-old constable who tragically died on Friday has gathered at a memorial site in Sydney’s inner south, as tributes pour in for the young officer.
Mia Lay and a 24-year-old male colleague, who was driving the police car, were responding to reports of a car theft at about 1.30am on Friday when they collided with a tree in Redfern.
Mia’s father Clem described his daughter as a vibrant and athletic young woman. Supplied
The young constable was killed instantly.
Paramedics treated the male officer at the scene before transporting him to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in a stable condition with facial injuries.
Speaking from his home to 9News, Mia’s father, Clem Lay, remembered his daughter as “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 said.
“I’m just sorry that she’s gone.”
Overnight, thousands of tributes flooded in from across the country to honour the young officer, who graduated from the police academy in May last year.
Mia was a high-level sports star in her youth, playing soccer for APIA Leichhardt FC.
Tributes have grown near the scene of Friday’s crash. 9News
“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.
Mia was a talented striker for APIA Leichhardt and a standout futsal player who was on the cusp of a promising professional sporting career. Supplied
Clem said his daughter was pondering a career in the NSW Police Force’s Dog Squad, following in the footsteps of her aunt, who serves 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.”
Clem Lay said he chose to speak publicly because he wanted his daughter remembered not for the tragedy of her death, but for how proudly and fully she lived her life. 9News
Among the first to call Clem with condolences was NSW Premier Chris Minns.
Acting Commissioner Dave Hudson and Police Minister Yasmin Catley also spent Friday morning alongside the family.
Mia’s father agreed to speak with 9News because he wants his daughter remembered not for how she tragically died, but for how she lived her life to the fullest.
“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.”
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