Amazon delivery driver, Claudiu-Carol Kondor, lost his life in an alleged van theft in Leeds, West Yorkshire, England on Tuesday, August 20, 2024. Kondor, aged in his 40s, was killed while attempting to prevent a thief from taking his vehicle. The suspect managed to drive off while Kondor was still partially inside the van.
The event unfolded around 6:50 p.m. on Heights Drive in Wortley, Leeds, shortly after Kondor had made a delivery. As per West Yorkshire Police, Kondor tried to stop a man who was trying to take his silver Ford Transit van. The thief accelerated away, dragging Kondor with him. The van hit two parked cars before Kondor was tossed from the vehicle, suffering fatal injuries. Despite efforts by witnesses and paramedics, Kondor was declared dead at the scene.
Describing the circumstances as deeply unsettling, Detective Chief Inspector James Entwistle, leading the investigation, assured that every effort was being made to apprehend the individual(s) responsible. On Wednesday night, August 21, a 32-year-old suspect was arrested on suspicion of murder, and on Thursday, after appeals to the public, 24-year-old Eddie Hampshire was caught and arrested. A woman was also held on suspicion of aiding an offender.
The stolen van was later found deserted about six miles away in the Belle Isle neighborhood. The investigators are still seeking witnesses and are particularly interested in obtaining dashcam or CCTV footage. Entwistle stressed the importance of anyone with relevant information or footage to come forward, reiterating their commitment to holding the suspects accountable for this senseless fatality.
In the aftermath of the tragic event, tributes have been pouring in for Kondor, a native of Romania. His friends and coworkers remembered him as a dedicated and cherished individual. A GoFundMe campaign, organized by former colleague Mike Neill, to assist Kondor’s family with funeral costs and other related expenses, has raised over $41,000.
Amazon conveyed its condolences, saying its thoughts are with Claudiu’s family, friends, and coworkers, and pledged its support for the ongoing investigation.