Nigerian mother of two, Tosin dies after Asake London concert crush

A Nigerian mother of two kids has died after being injured in a crush at a gig at London’s Brixton O2 Academy that left several others hurt.

The concert, by Afro-pop singer Asake, had to be abandoned part-way through after a “large number of people” tried to force their way inside on Thursday, the Met Police said.

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.

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

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

In a statement released through the 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, 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”.

The crush happened after a “large number of people” tried to force their way inside the Brixton O2 Academy, the Met Police said.

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.