‘We lost growing old together’: Families’ tribute to loved ones six months on from Brixton Academy crush

The families of the victims who died in the crush at Brixton Academy have paid tribute to their loved ones six months on. 

The tragic incident on December 15, 2022 took the lives of 33-year-old Rebecca Ikumelo and 23-year-old Gaby Hutchinson. 

Ms Hutchinson’s sister, Nina Hutchinson said: “Mum and Dad have lost their youngest baby, and it’s not something you should ever have to do, putting your daughter to rest before you. 

“As siblings we have lost growing old together. We have lost that because of what happened that night. It has been stolen. 

“Christmas will never be the same again. And Gaby’s birthday was New Year’s Eve so we really don’t want to be celebrating New Year’s Eve anymore. 

“We want to say to anyone who was there, even if they think they have a minor piece of information, something that they think is irrelevant, could they please, please contact the police. 

“It would make a difference to us as a family, because we just need answers. No one should ever go to work and not come home.” 

A 21-year-old woman still remains in a serious condition in hospital following the crush.

Today detectives have renewed their appeal for witnesses to the incident as their investigation continues.

Ms Ikumelo’s mother, father and aunt, Yetunde Olodo, Anthony Ikumelo and Mary Ikumelo, said: “This has broken us. But we are standing as one, as a family, trusting in the process of justice and trying to be the greatest support for the children that she has left behind. 

“Until you go through something like this, you don’t know the importance of how the littlest thing could help. 

“What we would say to anyone who was there, who hasn’t spoken or doesn’t want to speak, it could have been your sister, your cousin, the mother of your child, your daughter. We just ask, please come forward.

“All we want is justice for her, because her life was cut short.” 

Over the last six months, officers have reviewed hundreds of hours of CCTV, social media footage and police body worn video, as well as interviewing witnesses and reviewing forensic evidence. 

Detective chief inspector, Nigel Penney, said: “Six months on from this tragic incident, we remain absolutely committed to finding out what happened that night. 

“We offer our heartfelt support to the victims’ families as they pay tribute and remember their loved ones.

“It is of the utmost importance that we work out why the surge happened, for the families of those who never returned home, and those who were injured and traumatised.

“We know there were thousands of people there and that many will have seen what happened. 

“Footage shared on social media immediately after the incident showed dozens of people filming on their phones.

“We are grateful to everyone who has come forward so far, but we still need more information from those who were there that evening.”

You will be able to upload information and video content to this portal, https://mipp.police.uk/operation/01MPS22U62-PO1, 

You can phone the Operation Wickmar investigation team directly on 0207 321 9425.

To remain anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit Crimestoppers-uk.org.

Pictured top: Brixton Academy with police cordons (Picture: Robert Firth)