Essex CCC pay tributes to Grace Kumar
The 19 year old was killed in Nottingham
Last updated 14th Jun 2023
'Talented' and 'popular' is how Grace Kumar is being described after she lost her life in Nottingham yesterday.
Grace Kumar was one of two 19-year-old students killed when three people were stabbed to death and three others hit by a stolen van in Nottingham.
Miss Kumar, also known as Grace O’Malley-Kumar, attended independent Bancroft’s School in north east London before the University of Nottingham.
Grace's hockey club in Southgate, London described her as a 'much loved' member of the team and as a huge talent.
She had also been a member of Woodford Wells Cricket Club in Essex, with the club describing her as “fun, friendly and brilliant”.
Meanwhile Essex county cricket club have paid tributes to her:
Kelly Castle, the captain of Essex County Cricket Club's women's first team, has expressed the clubs deep sadness and shock upon hearing the tragic news of Grace Kumar's passing. She told us that Grace, a former player within the club, had a profound impact on those who knew her, especially the girls she played with.
Understanding the emotional toll this news has taken on the girls who had a close connection with Grace, the club is committed to providing them with ample support. Kelly emphasized the club's efforts, saying, "There's a lot of support, whether it's through conversations or other avenues the club offers to help and support. In fact, during the men's game today, they wore black armbands and held a minute of silence as a recognition of this tragic news. Our women's first team will be doing the same during their match on Saturday."
Furthermore, the club is determined to support Grace's family and friends during this difficult time. Kelly shared, "Tomorrow, at our training session, we have arranged for one of our club members to be present, specifically to provide support. Additionally, our safeguarding officer will be available for anyone who wants to speak or seek guidance from different coaches. We want to ensure that everyone affected by this loss feels supported and cared for."
When asked about her personal experience, Kelly expressed her own struggle to comprehend the news, stating, "It's very unexpected, and it can affect people in different ways. I find it challenging to process that something like this could happen. But my focus is on helping the girls who were closer to her, whether it's tomorrow or on Saturday. We are all in this together, and I want to support them as much as I can."
Investigations in Nottingham continue
Nottinghamshire Police said a 31-year-old man was tasered and arrested on suspicion of murder after Mr Webber and fellow University of Nottingham student Grace Kumar were stabbed to death in Ilkeston Road at about 4am on Tuesday.
Nottinghamshire Police’s chief constable Kate Meynell told reporters the force was not looking for anyone else in connection with the incidents and no further arrests had been made.
The police chief said the motive behind the attack was yet to be determined, but officers were keeping an “open mind” and working with counter-terror police.
Ms Meynell confirmed officers had carried out searches at a number of properties around the city – with cordons seen being put up on various sections of Ilkeston Road.