Marie Theobald

I am Graeme Irvine, senior coroner, for the coroner area of East London

On 23 rd December 2023 I commenced an investigation into the death of Maria Louise Theobald aged 48 years.  The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 18 th July 2025. Following an autopsy Ms Theobald’s medical cause of death was determined as; 1a Severe Traumatic Head and Spinal Injuries An inquest was opened on 9 th January 2024 and two separate scheduled inquests have been adjourned, pending the outcome of a criminal investigation. As of 18 th July 2025 no charging decision has been made in this tragic case.

Ms Theobald (48) was the pedestrian victim of a fatal road traffic collision on 22nd December 2023. The deceased was walking her dogs metres from her home in Chigwell. At 17.09 she was struck by a car travelling at high speed on a single carriageway domestic road. The car failed to stop. A vehicle was identified and a suspect was detained.

During the course of the inquest the evidence revealed matters giving rise to concern. In my opinion there is a risk that future deaths could occur unless action is taken. In the circumstances it is my statutory duty to report to you. The MATTERS OF CONCERN are as follows.  – Ms Theobald was killed over 18 months ago. Delays in the criminal investigation mean that an identified suspect is neither subject to conditional bail, driving disqualification nor are they remanded in custody. The absence of these measures means that a risk of further fatal harm exists.

In my opinion action should be taken to prevent future deaths and I believe you [AND/OR your organisation] have the power to take such action.