Brixton Academy: Mother of two dies after Asake concert crush

Mother-of-two Rebecca Ikumelo, 33, from Newham, east London, died in hospital on Saturday morning, the Met said.
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A woman has died following a serious crush incident at Brixton O2 Academy in London on Thursday (December 15), according to the Met Police.

The incident at a gig by afro-pop singer Asake left four people hospitalized when a large number of people tried to make their way inside the Brixton venue due to the cold, resulting in the crush.

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Mother-of-two Rebecca Ikumelo, 33, from Newham, east London, died in hospital on Saturday morning, the Met said.

Her family said she was a nursing graduate known for "care and kindness".

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

Two other women, 21, and 23,  remain in critical condition after 3,000 people attempted to enter the venue.

Asake said he was "overwhelmed with grief" and "devastated" by her death.

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The artist said he had spoken to Ms Ikumelo’s family and asked people to "keep them in our prayers".

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’.”

Academy Music Group, which owns and runs the venue, 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.

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"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."

London Mayor Sadiq Khan also wrote in a tweet he was "heartbroken" by the death.

He said it was "vital that the investigation into what happened concludes as soon as possible" and added that City Hall was working with authorities "to ensure nothing like this happens again".

Speaking at the scene on Friday, Ch Supt Colin Wingrove said: "I’d like to extend my sympathies to all those who have been affected.

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"Having seen some of the really upsetting images on social media our thoughts are with them," he added.

The force said more than 4,000 people were in attendance at the gig and it has set up a website for people to submit relevant photos and videos.

In a statement published on Twitter on Saturday, Asake said: "I am overwhelmed with grief and could never have imagined anything like this happening.

"My team and I are still awaiting the full debrief back from the venue management and the police to determine what exactly led to all the disruption caused and ultimately to Rebecca’s passing."

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

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