For the first time, a brave delivery driver was photographed being dragged half a mile to his death as he tried to stop a thief from stealing his van loaded with Amazon packages.
Claudiu-Carol Kondor, a man in his 40s and married to his wife Mariana, was on his rounds delivering Amazon packages on Tuesday evening when his grey van was stolen in Leeds, West Yorkshire.
He was delivering a package to a house around 6:45 p.m. when he returned and saw a man jump into his vehicle.
Mr. Kondor attempted to stop the thief by getting into the van himself, but the suspect drove off at high speed, dragging the driver for half a mile as he desperately leaned out the door.
The silver Ford Transit Cargo then crashed into two parked cars about half a mile from the scene of the theft.
While Mr. Kondor lay dying on the road, the thief drove away and abandoned the vehicle six miles away on Heights Drive.
After an incident that shocked a downtown neighborhood, police have now launched a manhunt for the thief.
Hundreds of people have expressed their condolences to the driver’s family on Facebook, calling it “unfair, sad and heartbreaking.” One said: “No one should have to experience something like this while doing their job.”
Claudiu-Carol Kondor, a man in his forties, was named as the driver of the van
A delivery driver was tragically killed while attempting to prevent a vanjacking while delivering Amazon packages in Leeds. His van is pictured above
The crime scene last night where the driver was discovered after members of the public tried to help him
The driver, who delivered Amazon packages via an external courier service, was found seriously injured at the scene of the accident shortly before 7 p.m.
When the officers arrived on the scene, they found the victim unconscious. Passers-by tried to help him.
Mr Kondor was given emergency treatment by a paramedic, but his death was confirmed a short time later at the scene of the accident; the police are now launching a murder investigation.
Police later found the van about six miles from the crime scene in Highlands Walk, Belle Isle.
West Yorkshire Police said the driver’s family were “utterly devastated”.
Mike Neill, operations manager at SP Transport Group, launched a GoFundMe campaign in Mr Kondor’s memory which has already raised almost £2,000.
It states: “It is with a heavy heart that we share the tragic news of the loss of our beloved colleague Claudiu-Carol Kondor.”
“Claudiu was a dedicated and valued member of the SP Transport Group family who tragically lost his life on August 20, 2024 in a fight that took place during a van theft. We are all devastated by this unimaginable loss.
“Claudiu was more than just a colleague – he was a friend, a confidant and a valued member of our team. His dedication 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 and affects everyone who had the privilege of knowing Claudiu.
“We are launching this GoFundMe campaign to support Claudius’ family during this incredibly difficult time.
“Our goal is to help ease some of the financial burdens they face, including funeral expenses, legal fees and any other unforeseen challenges that may arise. While no amount of money can fill the void left by Claudius’s death, we hope to provide some comfort and support to his loved ones.
“We understand this is a difficult time for everyone and we are grateful for any contribution you can make, no matter how large. Every donation will go directly to Claudius’ family to help them get through the difficult days ahead.
Claudiu-Carol Kondor, here with his wife Mariana, was mourned
Forensic scientists investigate at crime scene after driver was killed
“Please consider donating to honor Claudius’ memory and support his family during this heartbreaking time. If you are unable to donate financially, it would mean the greatest amount to us if you could share this campaign with your network.”
Lead investigator Detective Chief Inspector James Entwistle said: “Our investigation is still at an early stage but from what we currently know, this appears to be a truly shocking incident in which the victim was killed while carrying out his duties as a parcel delivery worker.”
“His family have been informed and are absolutely devastated by what has happened. We are supporting them during this really difficult time and are doing everything we can to give them the answers they need.
“We are conducting a comprehensive investigation to establish all of the circumstances and identify the individual whose incredibly dangerous actions were responsible for his death.”
“We have spoken to numerous witnesses but would still very much appreciate statements from anyone who witnessed any part of this incident.
“This appeal covers the circumstances of the theft of the van on Alliance Street at approximately 6.45pm, its journey along Heights Drive to where the victim was found, its movements as it fled the scene and its movements before it was found abandoned in Highlands Walk in Belle Isle, approximately six miles away.
“We are particularly interested to hear from anyone who saw the suspect in the van at any time after the theft or when the van was abandoned and we ask anyone who was in the vicinity of this incident to check footage from their dashboard cameras, doorbells and home security cameras to see if they captured anything that could assist the investigation.
Police later found the van about ten kilometers from the crime scene.
The thief drove away and left the victim dying on the road between the intersection of Heights Way and Heights Bank. He was found on Heights Drive (pictured)
“People are understandably horrified by this man’s death in these circumstances and I want to reassure them that we are absolutely determined to find whoever is responsible.”
Images show police officers, crime scene investigators and accident investigators searching for clues on Heights Drive in the west of the city.
The van was found abandoned a few hours later in Highlands Drive, a small cul-de-sac in the south of Leeds. It was taken away for forensic examination.
Amazon said the driver worked for a third-party courier service that delivers the packages.
A spokesman 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.”
“We will do everything we can to assist the police in their investigations.”
Condolences were sent to the driver of the delivery truck on Facebook.
One wrote: “The poor man was at work, no doubt providing for his family, and some scum stole his van.”
“He tried to stop them so he wouldn’t lose his job, but instead he lost his life.”
Another said: “Rest in peace to the poor man who lost his life doing honest work, and to his poor family.”
And a third wrote: “My heart breaks for this man and his family. Where is the world heading when you are not even safe doing your job. My thoughts are with the emergency services who also had to respond this evening.”
