LAST UPDATE | 17 Dec 2022
A WOMAN WHO died following a crowd crush outside the O2 Academy Brixton was a mother of two known for her “care, kindness and love”, her family said.
Rebecca Ikumelo, 33, was one of three people badly hurt when ticketless fans tried to get into a show by Nigerian artist Asake at the south London venue on Thursday.
The Metropolitan Police said Ms Ikumelo, from Newham, east London, died in hospital today, while two other women, 21 and 23, remain in a critical condition.
Her family said in a statement: “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’.”
Earlier, Asake said he is “devastated” and “overwhelmed with grief” by Ms Ikumelo’s death.
In a statement posted on Instagram, he said: “I am devastated by the news that Rebecca Ikumelo who was in a critical condition since Thursday has sadly passed away.
“My sincerest condolences to her loved ones at this time. Let us please keep her family in our prayers. I have spoken to them and will continue to do so.
“I am overwhelmed with grief and could never have imagined anything like this happening.”
— ASAKE (@asakemusik) December 17, 2022
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.
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”.
“I am heartbroken by the tragic death of Rebecca Ikumelo who has very sadly died following the awful events on Thursday night in Brixton,” he said.
“Rebecca had her whole life ahead of her and on behalf of all Londoners, I would like to extend my condolences to her family, friends and loved ones at this extremely difficult time.”
The Metropolitan Police said its “urgent” investigation continues as specialist officers support Ms Ikumelo’s family.
Post-mortem tests will be done tomorrow.
Speaking at the scene yesterday, Chief Superintendent Colin Wingrove, policing commander for Lambeth and Southwark, said: “I’d like to extend my sympathies to all those who have been affected.
The incident has been routinely referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct, the Met said.
“This is standard national practice following all incidents where police have been in attendance and members of the public have been seriously injured,” it added.
The force said footage of an officer pushing a woman from the venue’s steps has been assessed by the Directorate of Professional Standards and there was “no evidence of misconduct”.
Florence Eshalomi, Labour MP for Vauxhall, said in a statement posted to Twitter: “We need answers about exactly how this happened and safeguards against it in future.
“This will be fully investigated by Specialist Crime detectives, supported by Lambeth Council’s Licensing Unit.”
Academy Music Group, which owns and runs music venues across the UK, 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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