Two basketball players who were killed in a horror crash have been pictured for the first time.
Four university students died when their car collided with a second hand shop on Magdalen Street in Colchester shortly before 4.40am on Saturday.
Fire crews at the scene were forced to build a temporary wooden platform to free the bodies of Makyle Bayley, 22, Eva Darold-Tchikaya, 21, Anthony Hibbert, 24, and 22 year-old Daljang Wol after their destroyed car became embedded in the shop’s walls.
As reported by the Mirror, the deaths were confirmed by University of Essex Vice Chancellor, Maria Fasli, who said their losses would be felt in the community and beyond.
Anthony and Daljang, also known as DJ, were hailed as “incredibly talented” basketball players and members of the Essex Rebels first team by its representatives, who said on Instagram that they were “loved by our fans”.
Commemorating the four in her own tribute, Ms Fasli said: “It is with deep sadness I must share the devastating news four of our students – Makyle Bayley, Anthony Hibbert, Eva Darold-Tchikaya, and Daljang Wol – tragically lost their lives this weekend. These were young lives filled with hope, promise, talent, and dreams for the future.
“They all played an active role in our community through clubs and societies and were well-known around the University. Anthony and Daljang were outstanding members of our Essex Rebels men’s basketball 1st team, Makyle was a talented basketball player who was a member of our BUCS basketball team and Eva undertook several roles in our Essex Blades Dance Club and was active in many other clubs and societies.
“Their loss will be felt by their families and closest friends and by all our university community. In classrooms, in halls, in shared moments of laughter and learning – they were part of us, and their absence will be felt profoundly.
“At a time like this, words can never describe our sadness and emotion. But it is more important than ever that we come together, support one another, and honour their memory. In the coming days, we will share details of a time and place for our university community to gather in remembrance, to reflect on their lives, and to stand alongside those who loved them.”
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