The partner of a young NSW police officer killed when a patrol car crashed into a tree in Sydney has paid an emotional tribute to the “happiest girl” he had ever met.
Constable Mia Lay, 20, was travelling in the passenger seat of a marked police vehicle responding to reports of a stolen car when it crashed into a tree on Gibbons Street in Redfern about 1.30am on Friday.
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She died at the scene, and the 24-year-old male constable driving the vehicle was taken to hospital in a stable condition.
Her partner, Daniel Vasquez, who is also a police officer stationed in the eastern suburbs, visited the crash site on Saturday alongside officers from Lay’s Redfern station, who gathered to lay flowers in her memory.
In a statement on behalf of Lay’s mother, Tamara, the family, and himself, Vasquez said she loved her work as a police officer.
“Tamara mentioned that she wanted it known that Mia loved what she did in the police,” he said.
“She was good at her job and she was loved by everyone in the community.”
Vasquez asked people to remember Lay for her kindness and the love she gave to those around her.
“I ask for everyone to remember how stunning and beautiful she was. She was a kind-hearted person that gave so much love to everyone that she cared about,” he said.
“She will always be in my heart... I’ve just lost the love of my life,” he said.
He said Lay would be missed by everyone.
“She will be missed by everyone and I ask that she is remembered.”
Police Minister Yasmin Catley said Mia’s colleagues had remembered her as an “angel” who was destined for a “wonderful career”.
She said Lay’s parents also spoke of her passion for policing and how much she loved being a police officer.