Tributes paid to four people who died following M25 crash last year

The four people died following a crash on the motorway in August 2021

Author: Abi SimpsonPublished 21st Feb 2022

The families of four people who died following a crash on the M25 last year have been paying tribute to each of their loved ones.

Officers were called to the motorway between junctions 27 and 28, just after 6.15pm on the 23rd August last year.

31 year-old Abigael Muamba from Edmonton Green, 60 year-old Dexter Augustus from Waltham Forest, and 59 year-old Jennifer Smith from Stratford were pronounced dead at the scene.

Lisa Gardiner, who was 44 and from Walthamstow later died of her injuries.

Abigael Muamba

In tribute to their daughter Abigael, whose “smile and dedication” to her parents will be sorely missed, said they will always remember her “helpful heart and youthful spirit”.

They described how they are “truly heartbroken” at the loss of their daughter, Abigael, and went on to explain how anyone who knew Abigael would agree she was “generous” with her time, was “moral” and had so much life left to give to those she loved.

To remember their loving daughter, they wrote “Poem for Abigael”, shared below.

When I look up at the sky,

I see a pair of wings go by.

It's not a bird, but an angel I see,

Through the clouds, she smiles at me.

And when I see her face,

I know then that Abigael is there.

My arms long to hold her next to me.

But this is a dream that can never be.

She waves and continues on her way

So it is without her, that I must face each day.

I can only remember her in my heart

With the love and memories, we're not apart.

Jennifer Smith

Jennifer's family paid tribute to her, describing her as “a popular figure within her community” who was “loved beyond words”.

Jennifer worked tirelessly and selflessly to help vulnerable people, including mothers and babies, and adults facing difficulties.

Jennifer’s family thanked the support they received from Jennifer’s friends as evident in the “outpouring of support” following the sad news of Jennifer’s untimely death, but said, “We, her family, will never be the same”.

Jennifer leaves behind a daughter, two sons and five grandchildren.

Dexter Augustus

Dexter George Augustus, 60, was a dearly loved son, brother, father, grandfather and friend to everyone that knew him.

Dexter will never be forgotten by his family and friends – his “vivacious energy made him the life and soul of every gathering”.

Dexter’s family expressed how he will “be greatly missed” but fondly remembered his passion for ice-skating, chess and how he enjoyed designing jewellery. He was studying computer programming, electronics and Autocad just before his demise.

A Master Plasterer, Dexter was always on hand to advise on construction matters to those who needed his help.

Lisa Gardiner

Another family, paying tribute to their loved one, Lisa, said, “She will be missed greatly by all.”

Describing Lisa, her family fondly remembered her as “always considerate”, “caring towards others” and “would always be there to help family and friends.

“Beautiful wife and mother”, Lisa adored her family and treasured the time they spent together; her life’s mission was to bring them all closer together. But she also “left a kind mark” with everyone she met through her warmth and friendship.

Always full of life, Lisa’s big heart knew no bounds; love and life was there to be shared.

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