Man denies causing death in London Road Kelvedon collision

Police were called to London Road in Kelvedon after a Range Rover was involved in an incident on September 3.

Popular footballer Max Mayo, 30, of Feering, was declared dead at the scene following the crash.

Gary Lord, Scott Bigden and Suzanne Padbury were left seriously injured in what Essex Police described as a “complex” probe involving five vehicles.

We are very sad to announce the tragic passing over weekend of former KSFC player and friend Max Mayo
The club will be honouring Max with black arm bands and a minutes applause before kick off @E_SBorderLeague Bar will be open for friends/ family of Max to come along
RIP Max pic.twitter.com/rBn5ltBi7j

— Kelvedon Social FC (@KelvedonFC) September 5, 2022

Appearing before Chelmsford Crown Court today, Liam O’Brien, 32, denied three counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving, causing death by dangerous driving and dangerous driving in connection with the incident.

O’Brien, of Navarre Gardens, Romford, appeared via video link from Chelmsford Prison to enter his pleas.

Judge Christopher Morgan set a trial date for March 6 next year.

During his appearance O’Brien admitted charges of perverting the course of justice, driving without insurance, driving without a licence, failing to stop after an accident and failing to report an accident.

READ MORE >> Man charged after popular footballer is killed in tragic car collision

A woman arrested in connection with the incident has since been released under investigation.

Tributes have been left in a bus shelter in London Road dedicated to Max, who was an avid Chelsea supporter.

Following his death, the footballer’s friends and loved ones held a poignant tribute to him at Kelvedon’s park at The Chase where he played for several years.

Hatfield Peverel Football Club also took to social media to pay tribute to the 30-year-old.

💙🖤 https://t.co/hECKsr2p1a

— Hatfield Peverel FC (@HPFC_1903) September 10, 2022

It reads: “The club are devastated to report the passing of one of our players, Max Mayo.

“[He] tragically passed away on Saturday evening. A top player but an even better guy who was loved by all who knew him.

“We were honoured and privileged to not only call him our teammate but our good friend - Max will be deeply missed by us all but never forgotten.”

If you have any information about the incident and can help the police’s investigation, you should contact 101 and quote incident 1276 of September 3.