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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
National
Antony Thrower

'Dedicated' mum-of-two killed in crush at Asake gig 'radiated positive energy'

Tributes have poured in for a mum-of-two who was killed at a crowd crush at a concert in London this week, including from the artist performing at the time of the tragedy.

Rebecca Ikulemo passed away this morning following the incident on Thursday outside O2 Academy Brixton as Nigerian Afrobeats singer and songwriter Asake was performing.

Two other women -aged 21 and 23 - are currently in a critical condition after thousands arrived outside the sold out gig and "stormed" the entrance, according to witnesses.

Artist Asake led tributes to the mum, saying: "I am devastated by the news that Rebecca Ikumelo who was in a critical condition since Thursday has sadly passed away.

The 33-year-old mum, from Newham, was killed in the accident on Thursday (Met Police)

"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 fan Rebecca was killed in the crush at the venue (Instagram)
Police have appealed for witnesses to get in touch (Instagram)

The star cancelled his show in the aftermath of the tragedy.

In a statement released through the Metropolitan Police, her 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'."

Two other women sustained serious injuries in the incident on Thursday (PA)

Rebecca’s uncle, Temiope Olodo, said on Twitter: “My favourite niece, Rebecca Ikumelo, died today as a result of injuries sustained from [Asake's] concert.

“This is a great loss for the Olodo and Ikumelo family. I can't hold back my tears.”

Met Police say specialist officers are with Rebecca's family.

Star Asake led tributes to the mum of two (Getty Images)

Author Toni Tone added: "This photo was taken the day I last saw Rebecca.

"She was a beautiful woman who radiated positive energy and was dedicated to being the best version of herself for her kids.

"She also did so much to raise awareness of autism spectrum disorder.

Police at a cordon outside Brixton Academy in the wake of the incident (Nigel Howard)

"My heart goes out to her family."

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.

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

The aftermath the morning after the incident in south London (PA)

“An urgent investigation is currently under way led by detectives from our Specialist Crime Command and cordons remain in place as officers continue to work at the scene.

"This is still a fast moving and evolving picture and we are working to establish the events that led up to the incident.

"We are also aware of a vast amount of footage on social media and of course this will be examined as part of the investigation along with footage from officers’ body worn video cameras.

The scene outside the concert venue in London (James Veysey/REX/Shutterstock)

"We are working incredibly closely with our partners and community members and would like to thank them for their support so far in the investigation. We would also like to thank people for coming forward with information.

“We have set up an online page for the submission of photos and videos. There were around 4,000 potential witnesses present at the time of this incident and we want to urge any members of the public with information to come forward.

"We need your information as we try to establish what happened as quickly as we can."

A police car outside the venue this week (UkNewsinPictures)

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.

Sadiq Khan said he was "heartbroken" by the tragedy (UkNewsinPictures)

London mayor Sadiq Khan said: "I am heartbroken by the tragic death of Rebecca Ikumelo - who has very sadly died following the awful events on Thursday night in Brixton.

"Rebecca had her whole life ahead of her and on behalf of all Londoners, I would like to extend my condolences to her family and loved ones."

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