KILLER SMASH
Heartbreaking tribute to ‘extraordinary’ basketballer killed with 3 other uni students while driving home from night out
His family described him as a 'remarkable young man'
EMOTIONAL tributes have poured in for an "extraordinary" basketball player who was killed alongside three other university students in a horror crash.
University of Essex students Makyle Bayley, 22, Eva Darold-Tchikaya, 21, Anthony Hibbert, 24, and Daljang Wol, 22 died in the tragedy at 4.40am on Saturday.
10
10
10
10
Essex Police confirmed all four tragic university students died at the scene of the suspected high speed crash, involving a black Ford Focus as they drove back from a night out.
In a statement released by Essex Police on Monday, Makyle's family said he was "a remarkable young man, and his memory will live on in the countless lives he touched".
They added: "He was in his final year studying sports science at the University of Essex, where he was not only dedicated to his academic pursuits but also to his love of basketball.
"A passionate player from a young age, he proudly represented the Essex Rebels, his university's basketball team.
Read More
"Makyle was much more than a talented athlete - he was a beloved son, a proud big brother, and a true friend to so many.
"His kindness, thoughtfulness, and the joy he brought to those around him will never be forgotten.
"As his family - his parents, sisters, cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents - we are deeply heartbroken by his loss.
"Our lives will never be the same without him, but we will always carry his spirit in our hearts."
Most read in The Sun
Cops said that the driver travelled on the wrong side of the road and mounted the pavement, hitting a set of brick steps outside a house.
The car ploughed into the corner of a building containing a second hand shop and a Thai massage parlour.
Essex Police closed the road for 22 hours after investigations were launched.
The impact of the horror crash was so great that bricks and debris was spread up to 50 yards up the road, according to shocked witnesses.
It comes after the University of Essex Student Section paid tribute to Ms Darold-Tchikaya, and shared a video on their Instagram story of her dancing.
Tragic last video of ‘unforgettable’ dancer killed alongside 3 other university students after driving home on night out
It was Ms Darold-Tchikaya's heartbreaking final post on her own social media before the smash, in Magdalen Street, Colchester.
"Rest in eternal peace Eva, you were loved by everyone who encountered you! You really were that girl with such energy and an unforgettable aura, sleep tight beautiful soul," wrote one heartbroken friend.
"I hope you're Dancing in the Sky Eva. RIP," penned another.
The video, which shows Ms Darold-Tchikaya dancing, was captioned: "Over n out. This year has been incredible and one for the books.
"To every teacher I've taken class from and to everyone who's shows support THANK YOU.
"Dance journey continues, goodbye 24 and welcome 25."
Essex Rebels Basketball have also paid emotional tribute to the four young students.
Two of the students, basketball players Mr Wol and Mr Hibbert, were pictured for the first time in their Essex Rebels team jerseys.
A statement on X, formerly Twitter, read: "We are heartbroken by the loss of Makyle Bayley, Eva Darold-Tchikaya, Anthony Hibbert and Daljang Wol.
"No words can fully express the incredible sadness everyone in the Rebels family is feeling."
Ms Darold-Tchikaya was remembered by her dance group who posted a heartfelt tribute.
"Our dance family has lost a wonderful dancer, team mate, teacher and Vice president," they wrote.
"Eva Darold-Tchikaya you are forever in our hearts."
10
10
10
A post on the University of Essex's official account said: "Our whole University is in mourning for Makyle, Eva, Anthony and Daljang.
"They touched the lives of so many of us. Our thoughts are with everyone who knew them."
University of Essex Vice Chancellor Maria Fasli had earlier posted: "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.
"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.
“In the coming days and weeks, we will find ways to honour Makyle, Anthony, Eva, and Daljang and ensure their light continues to shine in our university community. For now, we hold their families, their friends, and each other in our hearts."
Temporary Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Hooper said: “I want to extend my condolences to the friends and family of Makyle, Eva, Anthony, and Daljang.
“This will be an incredibly difficult time for them and we have specialist officers supporting them.
“Our specialist Serious Collision Investigation Unit is investigating what led up to the collision but at this stage we do not believe any other vehicles were involved.
Read More on The Sun
“I again want to thank all the attending emergency services for their efforts to maintain the dignity of those who died and to the community for their support and co-operation.
“If you have any information about what happened, please contact us.”
10
10
10
Topics