Second woman dies following Asake concert crush

News

Following the death of 33-year-old mother of two - Rebecca Oluwatosin Ikumelo on the morning of last Saturday, a second woman who suffered injuries during the Asake concert crush at the O2 Brixton Academy last Thursday, has sadly died.

23-year-old Gabrielle Hutchinson died in hospital in the early hours of this morning. She was working as one of the contracted security providers for the event that evening.

Chief Superintendent Colin Wingrove, Policing Commander for Lambeth and Southwark, 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 Gabrielle’s family at this unimaginably difficult time.”

Detectives from the London Metropolitan Police's Specialist Crime Command are working hard to establish exactly what happened on Thursday night. The investigation is large and complex. Officers are reviewing CCTV, phone footage, speaking to witnesses and conducting forensic examinations.

As with any police investigation, they will assess the evidence to establish whether any criminal offences were committed.

Police cordons outside the venue have been removed, but cordons remain in place inside the building while officers continue to examine the scene.

The Police statement added that: “At this time, we have established that the three women who were critically injured, including Rebecca Ikumelo and Gabrielle Hutchinson who have tragically died, were all in the foyer of the building.

“A third woman, aged 21, remains in hospital in a critical condition.

“Our thoughts remain with everyone affected by this incident.”

According to a family 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’.”

Police said “An online page for the submission of photos, videos and information has been set up and we would ask anyone with such material to use this facility. There were around 4,000 potential witnesses present at the time of this incident and we urge any members of the public with information to come forward.”

Police officers were initially called to the location at 21:04hrs following reports of a large crowd gathered outside the venue. A further call was made at 21:35hrs reporting people were attempting to force entry into the venue.

Metropolitan Police has also referred the incident to the Independent Office for Police Conduct as is standard national practice following all incidents where police have been in attendance and members of the public have died or been seriously injured.

Any witnesses who are yet to speak with police are asked to call 101 quoting reference: 6725/15Dec.