Karnell Kelly named as man who died in canal during Notting Hill Carnival police chase

Karnell Kelly, 25, died in hospital after entering the Grand Union Canal while fleeing officers at Notting Hill Carnival on 31 August. The IOPC has launched an investigation.

Karnell Kelly named as man who died in canal during Notting Hill Carnival police chase

Man named after fatal canal incident during Notting Hill Carnival pursuit

Karnell Kelly, aged 25, has been identified as the man who died in hospital after entering the Grand Union Canal while being chased by Metropolitan Police officers during Notting Hill Carnival, hellorayo.co.uk reports.

Kelly entered the water off Kensal Road in west London at approximately 3.20pm on Monday, 31 August 2026. The Metropolitan Police said officers had attempted to stop him near Harrow Road as he approached the carnival wearing a face covering, after which he fled on foot.

Officers and members of the public entered the canal to pull him from the water. He was taken to a central London hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 4.43pm.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) confirmed it is reviewing body-worn video footage from officers who pursued Kelly along Hormead Road. The watchdog is also appealing for information from witnesses and any video footage captured by members of the public or from nearby properties, boats and barges.

The IOPC additionally disclosed that a police officer sustained injuries on 2 September while Metropolitan Police divers were searching the canal in connection with the incident.

Amanda Rowe, IOPC director of engagement, said: "Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of Karnell Kelly and everyone affected by his death. We need to independently establish the exact circumstances of this incident given that he has died following an interaction with police officers."

The watchdog has urged the public not to speculate about the circumstances of Kelly's death. Anyone with information has been asked to contact investigators at [email protected].

The incident occurred across a weekend in which the Metropolitan Police recorded more than 600 arrests at the carnival — 242 on Sunday and 394 on Monday, totalling 636. Hundreds of thousands of people attended the event in west London, which this year marked its 60th anniversary, with revellers in costumes and steel bands moving through the streets.

Source: Sky News