Asake Brixton concert: Second woman, Gabrielle Hutchinson, dies following crush

A second woman has died after being injured in a crush at a concert at Brixton Academy.

Gabrielle Hutchinson, aged 23, died in hospital in the early hours of Monday, 19 December.

She was working as one of the contracted security providers for the event that evening.

Rebecca Ikumelo, 33, from Newham, east London, also died on Saturday morning.

A third woman aged 21 remains in hospital fighting for her life.

All three women were in the foyer of the building in south London when they were critically injured in the crush, the Metropolitan Police said.

Eight people were taken to hospital with injuries following the incident on Thursday night.

Police said they were called to reports of a “large number of people attempting to force entry to the venue”, where Afrobeat artist Asake was performing.

The Nigerian musician was forced to abandon the gig after performing three songs and released a statement saying his “heart is with those who were injured”.

Metropolitan Police Chief Superintendent Colin Wingrove said: “It is devastating news that a second person has lost their life following the events on Thursday.

“I wish to express my heartfelt condolences to Gabrielle’s family at this unimaginably difficult time.”

The Met Police have set up an online portal for people to submit information, photographs and videos of the incident, which is believed to have been seen by around 4,000 witnesses. Anyone who can help is urged to come forward.

The force said in a statement: “In the disorder, a number of people suffered serious crush injuries and required medical attention.

“Police are appealing to anyone who attended the venue to come forward with valuable information.”

Police watchdog the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said it has launched an investigation.

An incident during which an officer was “apparently seen to push a member of the public” is currently under review by the force’s Directorate of Professional Standards.

An IOPC spokesperson said it is aware of the incident, adding: “We will assess the available information, including footage of the incident, to determine what further action may be required.”

Met Police Gold Commander Ade Adelekan said that where force has been used by officers, “those officers know they have to be accountable for their actions”.

All material, including body-worn video footage from those at the scene, will be looked at by the Directorate of Professional Standards.

‘I won’t rest until we have answers”

London Mayor Sadiq Khan said City Hall is in contact with venues and authorities across the capital to make sure “nothing like this happens again”.

Mr Khan said: “I am devastated by the death of Gabrielle Hutchinson, the second life to tragically be lost following the appalling events on Thursday night in Brixton.

“On behalf of Londoners, I would like to extend my heartfelt condolences to her family and loved ones at this extremely difficult time.

“Gabrielle, like Rebecca Ikumelo, had her whole life ahead of her and had ever right to come home safe and well after her shift, working at Brixton Academy.”

He added: “I won’t rest until we have the answers all those impacted by the tragic Brixton incident need and deserve.”

Asake, real name Ahmed Ololade, was recently nominated for BBC Radio 1’s Sound of 2023 award – for artists breaking through in the UK.

He urged fans not to turn up without a valid ticket ahead of his performance, one of three sold-out shows at the 4,921-standing capacity venue.