Singer Asake has confirmed the death of one person, a woman from the disaster that happened at his concert in London, as the Police and the singer continue to wait for a full report about what led to the sad incident on Thursday night.
Singer Asake who had previously released a statement apologising to his fans for how the show was cut short due to crowd control, took to his official social media handle on Saturday 17th December 2022, to mourn the death of a fan who was injured in the crush and later died from the injuries sustained at London’s Brixton 02 Academy concert.
He said:
“I am devastated by the news that Rebecca Ikumelo who was in a critical condition since Thursday has sadly passed away.
My sincerest condonlences 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.
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 Rebecca’s passing.
If you have any relevant information relating to this please do reach out to the Metropolitan Police,” he said.
Singer Asake, had to abandoned the concert part-way through after a “large number of people” tried to force their way inside on Thursday, the Met Police said.
The victim Rebecca Ikemelo:
The victim from the Asake concert was identified as a 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”.
Two other women aged 21 and 23 remain in a critical condition, police added.
In a statement released through Met, her family said Ms Ikumelo was an “adorable mother of two children who loved working with kids”.
They said: “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 where singer Asake performed, 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.
“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”.
Videos on social media showed the crowd stretching from the road outside to the venue’s doors.
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.
“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 outside Brixton police station on Friday afternoon, Mr Wingrove said officers were called by staff at the venue “following reports that a large number of people were attempting to force entry”.
He added: “Some officers provided first aid and CPR to members of the public in order to save a life.”
Florence Eshalomi, Labour MP for Vauxhall whose constituency includes Brixton, tweeted on Saturday: “I visited the site this morning and I’ve been dreading this news ever since the incident and hoping it would never come.
“My thoughts and prayers to Rebecca Ikumelo’s family and friends. Such a tragic loss of a young 33yr with so much life ahead of her.”
The first officers were reported to be on the scene at 21:11 GMT, seven minutes after they were called.
The concert was the final performance of three sold-out shows at the venue by Nigerian singer Asake, sometimes known as Mr Money.
Before the gig, he had posted on Twitter asking fans not to try to gain entry unless they had tickets.