Second person dies after Brixton Academy crush
Last updated 20th Dec 2022
A second person has died after being injured in a crowd crush at a concert at Brixton Academy in south London.
Police say 23-year-old Gaby Hutchinson, was working as security at the event on Thursday.
Chief Superintendent Colin Wingrove of the Metropolitan Police said:
"It is devastating news that a second person has lost their life following the events on Thursday. I wish to express my heartfelt condolences to Gaby's family at this unimaginably difficult time."
The force said the three people critically injured in the crush were all in the foyer of the building.
A 21-year-old woman remains in a critical condition.
Rebecca Ikumelo, 33, died on Saturday morning. In a statement, Rebecca’s family said:
“Rebecca was a graduate of nursing. She was an adorable mother of two children who loved working with kids.
“She was well respected in the family for her care, kindness and love. Her parents call her Tosin (short for Oluwatosin) meaning ‘Lord is Worthy’.”
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said City Hall is in contact with venues and authorities across the capital to make sure "nothing like this happens again".
Scotland Yard previously said a woman was arrested for assaulting an officer over the incident and investigators were looking at footage on social media and from body-worn cameras.
The incident has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct under standard practice following incidents where police had been in attendance and members of the public had been seriously injured.
Asake, whose real name is Ahmed Ololade, was recently nominated for BBC Radio 1's Sound of 2023 award - for artists breaking through in the UK.
Ahead of the gig, he urged fans not to go to the venue without a valid ticket.
The concert was the third of three sold-out dates at the 4,921-standing capacity venue and concluded a run of UK dates.
Academy Music Group, which owns and runs music venues across the UK, previously said in a statement: "All at O2 Academy Brixton and Academy Music Group are deeply saddened by the news of the tragic death of Rebecca Ikumelo.
"We send our heartfelt condolences to Rebecca's family and friends, and our thoughts are with everyone affected by this devastating news at this extremely difficult time."
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