Man who died jumping in canal while fleeing police named by watchdog
The police watchdog confirms they are investigating
A man who died after jumping into a canal while fleeing from police has been named as the police watchdog confirms they are investigating.
Karnell Kelly, aged 25, died in hospital after entering the Grand Union canal off Kensal Road, west London, while being pursued by police officers at about 3.20pm on Monday (31 August 2026).
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that officers tried to stop Mr Kelly near Harrow Road as he approached Notting Hill Carnival wearing a face covering before he fled on foot.
Officers and members of the public entered the canal to pull him from the water and he was rushed to a central London hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 4.43pm.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) have said they are reviewing body-worn video from officers who had chased Mr Kelly down Hormead Road.
They are also appealing for information from witnesses or any video footage from members of the public or from nearby properties, boats and barges.
The IOPC also said a police officer sustained injuries on September 2 while Met Police divers were searching the canal for information about the incident.
Officers made more than 600 arrests during Notting Hill Carnival over the weekend, the Met have said.
Hundreds of thousands of revellers attended the event in west London over the weekend, and people in costumes and steel bands moved through the streets as the carnival celebrated its 60th anniversary.
The force said there were 242 arrests on Sunday and 394 on Monday, making a total of 636.
The police watchdog has urged the public not to speculate about Mr Kelly’s death.
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 IOPC have asked that anyone with information make contact with investigators via this email address: [email protected]