AN AMAZON delivery driver who was killed when his van was stolen by a suspected thief has been named for the first time.
Claudiu-Carol Kondor, in his 40s, died in a collision with two parked cars as he tried to stop the person stealing his silver Ford Transit Cargo van just before 7pm yesterday.
A major hunt is now underway to find the suspect, with police asking for anyone with CCTV footage of the incident which took place in Wortley, West Yorkshire, to contact them.
Mike Neill, Operations Manager of SP Transport Group, paid tribute to his “beloved colleague” Claudiu on a GoFundMe page.
Mr Neill wrote: “This unimaginable loss has left us all devastated.”
“Claudiu was more than just a colleague—he was a friend, a confidant, and a valued member of our team,” he continued.
“His commitment to his work and the camaraderie he brought to the workplace will never be forgotten.
“The impact of this tragedy extends far beyond our workplace, affecting all who had the privilege of knowing Claudiu.”
Police said they were called to Heights Drive at 6.51pm following reports of a man found seriously injured in an incident involving a van.
They found Claudiu unconscious with members of the public trying to help him.
He was given emergency treatment by ambulance staff but was pronounced dead at the scene a short time later.
Initial enquiries revealed he had delivered a package to an address about half a mile away in Alliance Street at about 6.45pm and had returned to his van to find a male attempting to steal it.
When he tried to stop them, they drove off at speed with Claudiu only partly in the passenger door of the vehicle.
The van, a plain silver Ford Transit Cargo, was then in collision with two parked cars in Heights Drive and was driven away, leaving Claudiu injured in the street.
The van was recovered in Highlands Walk, Belle Isle, a short time later.
Detectives from West Yorkshire Police Homicide and Major Enquiry Team have launched a murder investigation.
Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector James Entwistle said: “Our investigation remains at an early stage but, based on what we currently know, this appears to be a truly shocking incident where the victim has been killed while going about his business as a parcel delivery driver.
“His family has been informed and they are completely devastated about what has happened.
“We are working to support them at what is a really difficult time and are doing everything we can to get them the answers they need.
“We are carrying out extensive enquiries to establish the full circumstances and to identify the person whose incredibly dangerous actions have been responsible for causing his death.
“We have spoken to a number of witnesses but are still very keen to hear from anyone who witnessed any part of this incident.
“That appeal covers the circumstances of the van being stolen in Alliance Street at about 6.45pm; the journey it took along Heights Drive to where the victim was found; its movements as it fled the scene there; and its movements before being found abandoned in Highlands Walk in Belle Isle, which is about six miles away.
“We are particularly keen to hear from anyone who has seen the suspect in the van at any point after it was stolen or when it was abandoned, and we ask that people who were in the vicinity of any part of this incident check their dashcam, doorbell and home CCTV footage to see if they have caught anything that could assist the investigation.
“People will be understandably appalled by this man’s death in these circumstances, and I want to reassure them that we are absolutely determined to find the person responsible.”
An Amazon spokesperson said: “This is a terrible incident and our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the delivery driver’s loved ones, family and colleagues at our delivery service provider.
“We will do all that we can to assist police with their investigations.”
