Asake O2 Brixton Academy: Second person dead in crowd crush named

“It is devastating news that a second person has lost their life following the events on Thursday.”
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A second person who died in the crowd crush incident at the Brixton O2 Academy has been named as Gabrielle Hutchinson, a security guard for the venue.

The Met Police has confirmed all three people left critically injured - including the two who have died and a third 21-year-old in critical condition - were in the foyer of the building.

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Police were called to the gig in Lambeth, south London, by Afro-pop singer Asake at just after 9pm on Thursday, December 15, following reports of a large crowd gathered outside.

Officers were further alerted at 9.35pm that people were attempting to force their way inside.

Mother-of-two and nursing graduate, Rebecca Ikumelo, 33, from Newham, east London, died in hospital on Saturday morning after suffering serious injuries in the crowd crush.

Gabrielle Hutchinson. Photo: Met PoliceGabrielle Hutchinson. Photo: Met Police
Gabrielle Hutchinson. Photo: Met Police

Now a second person, aged 23, contracted as a security provider for the event, has been confirmed to have died in hospital in the early hours of this morning (Monday, December 19).

He also suffered injuries during the incident.

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Ch Supt Colin Wingrove, from Lambeth and Southwark police, said: “It is devastating news that a second person has lost their life following the events on Thursday.

“My heartfelt condolences to Gabrielle’s family at this unimaginably difficult time.”

Specialist crime detectives are working to establish exactly what happened on Thursday night, the Met said, and are in the midst of a large and complex investigation.

Police are reviewing CCTV, phone footage, interviewing witnesses and conducting forensics and will  assess the evidence to establish whether any criminal offences were committed.

Rebecca Ikumelo, 33, died in the crush at Brixton Academy. Credit: Met PoliceRebecca Ikumelo, 33, died in the crush at Brixton Academy. Credit: Met Police
Rebecca Ikumelo, 33, died in the crush at Brixton Academy. Credit: Met Police
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Cordons outside the venue have been removed, but remain in place inside the building.

A Met spokesperson said: “Our thoughts remain with everyone affected by this incident.”

They added: “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.

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“We have made a referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) 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.”

The mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “I am devastated by the death of Gabrielle Hutchinson, the second life to tragically be lost following the appalling events on Thursday night in Brixton. On behalf of all Londoners, I would like to extend my heartfelt condolences to her family and loved ones at this extremely difficult time.

“Gabrielle, like Rebecca Ikumelo, had her whole life ahead of her and had every right to come home safe and well after her shift, working at Brixton Academy.

“My thoughts remain with everyone affected by this dreadful incident. The urgent investigation into what happened continues and I urge anyone with information or footage from the incident to submit this to investigators via the public portal that has been set up by the police. You can also submit information and footage to police anonymously via Crimestoppers online or by calling 0800-555-111.

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“City Hall are in close contact with the venue and authorities across London about working to ensure nothing like this happens again and I won’t rest until we have the answers all those impacted by the tragic Brixton incident need and deserve.”