A single, ‘adorable’ mother died after a fight outside Brixton O2 Academy. She was an autism activist who shared parenting tips with other parents of autistic children via Tiktok.
Tributes have been flooding in for Rebecca Ikumelo (33) from Newham (east London), who left behind her two young children less than a week before Christmas.
After suffering severe injuries in the crush at Asake, a concert by Nigerian artist Asake, she was taken to hospital and later died.
Friends described her as a beautiful woman who radiated positive energy and was determined to be the best version of her children’s self.
Rebecca Ikumelo (pictured), 33-year-old from Newham, east London, was killed in a crush that occurred during Asake’s concert in Nigeria on Thursday.
Rebecca and her two sons shortly before her passing
Metropolitan Police stated that two other women, 21-year-old and 23-year old, are in critical condition. Asake said that he was ‘praying for’ those who were injured.
Ms. Ikumelo has two sons, Jamael & Joelle. The mother of one worked as a nurse associate in sexual health until her oldest child was diagnosed with autism in 2020.
After receiving her autism diagnosis, she decided to take a break from nursing. She began to spend more time with her kids and document their progress.
She spoke just days before her death on a podcast about society’s attitude towards children with autism.
Rebecca described an incident where a relative told her that her son was ‘naughty.’ She said: “He’s naughty, but he’s autistic,” and then she said: “Oh, sorry.
“But my problem with that is that even though people talk about how they are in the supermarket, people make ignorant comments about stuff and then they claim they are autistic. The other person changes quickly. [what they say].
“It shouldn’t have to be that way. It is not appropriate to try and discipline another child, or give two pence.
Rebecca’s family released the following statement: “Rebecca is a nurse graduate. She was a loving mother to her two children and loved being around them.
“She was loved by her family for her kindness, love and care. Tosin, her parents’ shorthand for Oluwatosin, means “Lord is Worthy”.
Rebecca shared frequently about her children’s autism journey with her over 13,000 TikTok subscribers, sharing milestones and giving advice.
Rebecca Ikumelo shared every day moments with her children with her followers to raise awareness about autism.
Rebecca filmed parts her life while she was supporting her children. She says that she taught her children ‘to be independent’.
According to the Metropolitan Police, two more women aged 21 and 23 are in critical condition. Asake said that he was ‘praying for’ those who were injured. Video footage shows large crowds outside Brixton O2 Academy, Thursday
She shared every day moments with her sons, including doing her son’s hair and following his progress in communicating verbally.
She shared with her followers that he had made a lot of progress since she quit nursing. She would often start conversations about the advantages of mainstream schooling versus SEN and mental health.
After her death, many people posted heartfelt tributes to Rebecca.
One stated: “The fact that he could’ve had her there as support and caretaker while he grows up. But instead, he took her away way too quickly.
“This poor child has lost his best friend and support system, I pray that his strength and courage will prevail.”
Another wrote, “My heart breaks for these boys.” God, why is this? God why? [tragedy]. I’m lost for words.’
A third said that she was truly sorry for her loss. It was wonderful to watch her share her motherhood story with us, and advocate so strongly for her children.
Asake, Nigerian artist, stated that he was overwhelmed with grief and devastated by the news about Ms Ikumelo’s death.
Asake released a statement via Instagram: “I am devastated by the sad news that Rebecca Ikumelo has died. She was in a critical state since Thursday.”
“My deepest condolences to her family at this difficult time. We will keep her family in our thoughts and prayers. I have spoken with them and will continue to do the same.
“I am overwhelmed with grief and could not have imagined anything similar happening.”
“My team, and I are still waiting for the complete debrief back by the Venue management as well as the Police to determine exactly what caused all the disruption that led to Rebecca’s passing.
“If you have any information, please contact the Metropolitan Police.”
Asake, Nigerian pop star (pictured), was unable to perform after crowds clashed with police at Brixton’s O2 Academy.
Rebecca’s family stated in a statement that Rebecca was a nursing graduate. Rebecca was a loving mother to her two children and loved being around them.
Friends describe the single mother and autistic campaigner as a beautiful woman, who radiated positive energy and was committed to being the best version for her children.
“She was loved by her family for her kindness, love and care. Tosin, her parents’ shorthand for Oluwatosin, means “Lord is Worthy”.
Met Police stated that specialist officers were providing support for Rebecca Ikumelo’s family and that today will see a post-mortem examination at Greenwich Public Mortuary.
The 33-yearold had 13.4k TikTok fans and 1.15k YouTube views. She used her platform for raising awareness about autism.
Toni Tone, author of the article, shared a photo of Ms Ikumelo and a tribute on Twitter: “This photo was taken the same day I last saw Rebecca.
“She was a lovely woman who radiated positive energy and was committed to being the best version herself for her children. She did so many things to help raise awareness for autism spectrum disorder. My deepest sympathies go out to her family.
Many people who watched her TikTok content also paid tribute to the mother of two.
One fan wrote, “Rebecca Ikumelo is one of the sweetest people in tiktok. Although I am not a tiktok enthusiast, I enjoyed her content. She was the mother of an autistic child herself and shared her tips on parenting autistic children. This is a terrible tragedy. Rest in heaven Rebecca.’
The 33-year old had 13.4k TikTok followers and 1.15k YouTube subscribers. She used her platform to spread awareness about autism
TikTok viewers from many countries shared their admiration for the mother-of-2.
Two sons are left by Ms Ikumelo, Jamael & Joelle. The mother-of-one worked as a sexual health nurse associate until her older son was diagnosed with Autism in 2020.
Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, stated that City Hall has been in touch with authorities and venues across the capital to ensure that “nothing like it happens again”.
He said, “I am heartbroken at the tragic loss of Rebecca Ikumelo, who has very sadly passed away following the terrible events in Brixton on Thursday night.”
“Rebecca had her whole future ahead of her, and I, on behalf all Londoners would like to offer my condolences for her family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time.
Academy Music Group is a UK music venue owner and operator. It released the following statement: “All at O2 Academy Brixton are deeply shocked by the tragic passing of Rebecca Ikumelo.
“We send our condolences to Rebecca and her family. Our thoughts are with everyone who has been affected by this tragic news.
Yesterday afternoon, Chief Superintendent Colin Wingrove stated that an urgent investigation was underway into the incident which took place when ticketless fans blocked entry to the famous south London music venue. He stated that one person had been charged with assaulting a officer.
Yesterday morning scene at the Brixton O2 Academy in South London
Singer Asake stated in a social media statement that he was devastated by the death of his fan.
Chief Superintendent Wingrove was the Lambeth-Southwark policing Commander. He added, “I’d like my sympathies for all those who were affected.” We are deeply sorry for the distressing images posted on social media.
“An urgent investigation is underway led by detectives of our Specialist Crime Command. Cordons remain in place while officers continue to work on the scene. It is still an evolving and fast-moving picture. We are trying to find out the facts.
“We also know of a large amount of footage on Social Media and this footage will be examined as part the investigation together with footage from officers’ bodies worn video cameras.
The crush occurred when hordes of ticketless fans forced entry into the iconic south London music venue
“We work closely with our community members and partners, and we would like to thank them so far for their support in this investigation. We also want to thank everyone who provided information.
“We have created an online platform for submissions of photos and videos. The incident occurred at around 4,000 witnesses. We encourage anyone with additional information to come forward.
“We need your information to determine what happened as fast as possible.
Witnesses who have not spoken with police yet are asked to dial 101 ref 6725/15Dec
Meanwhile, the force has insisted that there is ‘no evidence of misconduct’ against a Met Police officer who was filmed pushing a reveller down stairs outside the O2 Academy.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), however, stated that it would review the footage in its own investigation into the chaotic scenes of Thursday night.
This comes as an MP calls for answers about the circumstances surrounding a crowd crush. He stated that ticketing and security procedures had not been as effective as they should have.
Florence Eshalomi (Labour MP for Vauxhall) stated in a Twitter statement: “It is very evident ticketing and security procedures failed to perform as they should have for the incident to have occurred.”
On Thursday night, emergency services responded to calls from Brixton O2 Academy regarding reports of injuries.
“We need to know the exact circumstances of this incident and how we can prevent it happening in the future. Specialist Crime detectives will investigate this with the support of Lambeth Council’s Licensing Unit.
Ms. Eshalomi said, after hearing about Ms. Ikumelo’s passing, that Rebecca Ikumelo died due to injuries sustained in Thursday’s crush at Brixton Academy.
“I went back to the site this morning.” [Saturday] Since the incident, I have been anticipating this news and hoping that it will never come.
My thoughts and prayers are with Rebecca’s loved ones. This is a terrible loss for a 33-year old woman who had so much more life ahead.
“My prayers for the two other women in critical condition.”
Belgian band 2manydjs was forced to cancel their 20th anniversary party at the O2 Academy Brixton last night.
Yesterday’s tweet contained the following statement: “It is with deep sorrow that we must announce that, due to the horrible events at O2 Academy Brixton last evening, we are forced to postpone tomorrow’s show. All tickets are transferable and refundable, but the new date will take place on Saturday 18 February.
We understand many of your travel arrangements to London, but we are hopeful that you will all be able to come together to celebrate this special day. We are so sorry for the loss of loved ones. Love Dave & Steph.’
A concertgoer told of how one girl nearly died in front her, narrowly avoiding being crushed by the crowds.
Vicky Osinlaru was a radio presenter from Croydon who suffered panic attacks when ticketless fans blocked her entry to the South London music venue. She wanted to see Asake, a Nigerian singer.
Miss Osinlaru hid in the first-aid room, and watched as medics battled for the life of one reveller.
MailOnline spoke to her, saying that she could see something was happening in the ticketing area. I was shocked to see that the security guards held onto the front doors of the building for their lives.
“The doors were shaking, and then suddenly they opened.” As he fell to the ground, I can recall a man who, shocked and wide-eyed, shouted ‘Thank God! He was totally breathless and didn’t even have his shoes on.
“Then, another woman was brought in. She looked in her late 20s and was wearing jeans and a top, but she was completely unconscious. She didn’t even seem to be breathing.
“Her face was lifeless when she was placed on the ground by a medical professional who administered CPR for around 20-minutes up to half-an hour.
“They gave her chest compressions, which were really sting pumps to her chest. But, from what I could see, there was very little sign that she was alive.
Asake, an Afrobeats singer, posted a statement to Instagram this morning
Asake asked people not to attend Sunday’s concert if they didn’t have tickets. He added that no tickets were available at the door.
“Eventually, the ambulance arrived. The medics continued CPR to save her lives as they escorted the woman out.
“I don’t know what happened, but I hope she comes through.
“It was so frightening to witness such an incident, that I haven’t been capable of sleeping at all due to it playing on my mind.
“I have been to the O2 numerous times but there were so many people who came to see Asake. And because it was his last evening in Brixton, people couldn’t afford to miss it.
“But, what happened last night? It was horrible, people were seriously, seriously injured.”
TikTok shared a video of Asake telling his fans that “3,000 people have broken the doors outside”.
The footage shows him saying: ‘Because we have been asked by security officers to close the show. We are sorry, but this has nothing to do either with us or the promoter. This is basically… you can listen to what I’m saying.
He then hands the microphone over and tells fans to “leave the way you came in” and promises that they’ll be given a full refund.
Moment a woman strikes an officer in the face in front of the O2 Academy, Brixton, on Thursday night
Another video shows the crowd cheering as the announcement from the stage that the show was closing was made.
The gig, in which Asake was touring his debut album Mr. Money With The Vibe saw Asake, was stopped halfway through.
The show was the last of three sold-out performances by the Nigerian singer Lady in 2020. She had previously performed at Brixton’s music venue which can hold 5,000 people.
The musician asked fans on Twitter to not attend the O2 Academy if they didn’t have tickets. He added that the ticket was already sold out and that no tickets would be sold at the door.
According to London Ambulance Service, they were summoned at 10.06pm to the Brixton 02 Academy.
Ten people were treated immediately, eight of them were taken to the hospital, and two were discharged.
