A motorcycle rider died in a ‘head-on collision’ after his bike crashed into Love Island star Kem Cetinay’s four-by-four, an inquest has heard.
Thomas Griggs, 28, suffered multiple injuries and blunt force trauma after his motorcycle collided with the 2017 Love Island winner’s Mercedes G Wagon on August 4 in Romford, East London.
During the inquest into Mr Grigg’s death today, the court had not been given the details of the driver of the other vehicle and that a suspect had been identified in the police investigation.
The crash took place at 11.27am on August 4 and Mr Griggs, who has a young daughter, died at 12.04pm the same day, East London Coroner’s Court was told.
Thomas Griggs, 28, suffered multiple injuries and blunt force trauma after his motorcycle collided with the 2017 Love Island winner’s Mercedes G Wagon on August 4 in Romford, East London
A post-mortem examination found the cause of death to be multiple injuries and a blunt force trauma.
Senior coroner Graeme Irvine told the court: ’This is considering an investigation into the death of Thomas Griggs, a man of 28, who died on 4 August 2022 at a location described as outside Ivy Lodge Farm in Shepherds Hill in Romford.
‘The recorded time of death offered to the court is four minutes past 12 noon.
‘This is a referral that was made to the court by the Metropolitan Police Service and relates to circumstances of a road traffic collision that is said to have taken place as 11.27am on the same day as Mr Griggs’ death.’
Following his death, Mr Griggs is partner paid tribute to the father of her baby daughter who celebrated her first birthday earlier this month.
The accident took place outside Ivy Lodge Farm in Shepherds Hill on a ‘semi-residential street involving one lane travelling in each direction of the carriageway’ with a 30mph speed limit, the court heard.
Mr Irvine added: ‘It is said the motor vehicle, that was a car, was travelling westbound and the motorcycle was travelling eastbound.
‘It is said this was a head-on collision between the two vehicles. The matter is still subject to a Metropolitan Police investigation.
‘It would appear a suspect has been identified by police in relation to this investigation and it appears to me that that person should be listed as an interested person in this inquest.’
Paramedics fought to save Mr Griggs’ life, but he died shortly after the accident.
Photos from the scene of the crash show the damaged motorcycle on the pavement
Photos of the scene showed Mr Cetinay’s G-Wagon smashed up behind police tap and the damaged motorcycle lying on the pavement.
MailOnline understands Mr Cetinay passed a breath test after stopping at the scene and provided officers with a full statement.
Mr Cetinay was unharmed and was assisting police in the aftermath of the crash, his agent said.
Yesterday the reality star finally returned to social media after a noticeable absence from social media following the crash.
Taking to Instagram in a post to his Story, Kem smiled sweetly next to a young child and penned: ‘Gym sesh with my little mate.’
Kem Cetinay returned to social media on Thursday after he was involved in a tragic crash that killed a motorcyclist in Essex two weeks ago
The reality TV star was seen wearing a black Puma T-shirt as he pushed his hair back from his face for the workout.
His father Niyazi Cetinay told MailOnline yesterday: ‘Kem is so upset and in shock by this. It is even more sad that we know now the motorcyclist had a baby daughter. It is so tragic.’
A statement from the Met after the collision said the driver of the car stopped at the scene and is currently assisting police with their inquiries. He was not arrested.
The reality TV star was said to be ‘traumatised’ and ‘shaken up’ after the fatal crash with the motorcyclist ‘who overtook and ended on the wrong side of the road before the 60mph smash.’
It happened more than 700 metres from Kem’s restaurant, Array, which he opened last July.
A source told MailOnline: ‘Kem is devastated about what’s happened. He’s a sensible driver; no one could have foreseen this tragic accident happening.
‘There has been no wrongdoing on Kem’s side, he’s not at fault, and is being treated by police as a witness.
‘He’s still dealing with the shock alongside close friends and his family.’
Following the incident, the Met Police said: ‘A statement from the Metropolitan Police confirmed: ‘Police were called at 11:32hrs on Thursday, 4 August to reports of a collision at Shepherds Hill, Romford.
‘Police and London Ambulance Service [LAS] attended. At the scene a car had been in collision with a motorcycle.
‘Despite the efforts of medics, the male motorcyclist [no further details] was sadly pronounced dead at the scene at 12:04. Enquiries are underway to notify next of kin.
‘The driver of the car stopped at the scene and is assisting police with their enquiries. He was not arrested.’
A statement released by Kem’s representative said: ‘Kem was this morning involved in a road traffic accident close to his home in the Brentwood area at approximately 11.30am.
‘Tragically, a motorcyclist died in the collision. Kem has been assisting the police and is being treated purely as a witness to the incident.
‘Kem will be making no further comment on this matter aside to offer his deepest condolences, prayers and sympathies to the motorcyclist’s family and friends.’
The inquest was adjourned to January 10 2023 at the same location.