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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
National
Chiara Fiorillo

Brixton O2 crush victim, 33, was TikTok autism campaigner and 'adorable mother'

A woman who died after being injured in a crush at a concert in London was a TikTok autism campaigner and an "adorable mother", her family have said.

Rebecca Ikumelo was hurt when ticketless fans tried to get into a show by singer Asake at the O2 Academy Brixton on Thursday.

The mum-of-two, from Newham, east London, died in hospital on Saturday while two other women, aged 21 and 23, remain in a critical condition.

Ms Ikumelo, who was known for her "care, kindness and love", leaves behind two sons, Jamael and Joelle.

She was well-known for her TikTok posts about parenting an autistic child.

The mum was one of three people badly hurt when ticketless fans tried to get into a show by Asake (PA)
Rebecca was a graduate of nursing (PA)

Ms Ikumelo worked as a nursing associate in sexual health until her older child was diagnosed with autism in 2020.

After the diagnosis, she took a break from nursing and began spending more time with her children, talking about her son's condition on TikTok.

Just a few days before her death, Ms Ikumelo spoke on a podcast about people's attitudes towards children with autism.

She said she was told by a relative that her son was "naughty" to which she replied: "He's not naughty, he's autistic."

Ms Ikumelo said: "My thing with that is that even when people talk about how they're in the supermarket and people make ignorant comments and stuff, and then they say they're autistic and the other person quickly changes [what they say].

"It shouldn't have to come to that. You shouldn't be trying to discipline someone else's child or putting in your two pence."

In a statement, her family said: "Rebecca was a graduate of nursing. She was an adorable mother of two children who loved working with kids.

"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'."

Rebecca Ikumelo tragically died yesterday (Social Media)

Friends described her as a "beautiful woman" who "radiated positive energy" and was "dedicated to being the best version of herself for her kids".

Artist Asake said he is "devastated" and "overwhelmed with grief" after Ms Ikumelo's death.

In a statement posted on Instagram, Asake said: "I am devastated by the news that Rebecca Ikumelo who was in a critical condition since Thursday has sadly passed away.

"My sincerest condolences to her loved ones at this time. Let us please keep her family in our prayers. I have spoken to them and will continue to do so.

"I am overwhelmed with grief and could never have imagined anything like this happening.

"My team and I are still awaiting the full debrief back from the Venue management and the Police to determine what exactly led to all the disruption caused and ultimately to Rebecca’s passing.

"If you have any relevant information relating to this please do reach out to the Metropolitan Police."

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".

An investigation by the Metropolitan Police is ongoing (Thabo Jaiyesimi/SOPA Images/REX/Shutterstock)

"I am heartbroken by the tragic death of Rebecca Ikumelo who has very sadly died following the awful events on Thursday night in Brixton," he said.

"Rebecca had her whole life ahead of her and on behalf of all Londoners, I would like to extend my condolences to her family, friends and loved ones at this extremely difficult time."

The Metropolitan Police said its "urgent" investigation continues as specialist officers support Ms Ikumelo's family.

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