The family of a 19-year-old student from London killed in a horror attack in Nottingham have remembered her as a “truly wonderful and beautiful young lady”.
Grace O’Malley-Kumar was stabbed to death in the city in the early hours of Tuesday, along with fellow University of Nottingham student Barnaby Webber, as they walked back to student halls after a night out.
Ian Coates, 65, was then killed during a violent carjacking on his way to work as a school site manager, with the suspect speeding off with his white van. A 31-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder.
On Wednesday afternoon, Miss O’Malley-Kumar’s family released a tribute to the medical student and talented hockey star, who played for England’s U18s, adding that their “complete and utter devastation” cannot be put into words.
“Grace was an adored daughter and sister; she was a truly wonderful and beautiful young lady,” said the family, from Woodford in north-east London, in a statement reported by the BBC and MailOnline.
“Grace was not just a sister to James but his best friend. He is completely heartbroken. As parents, words cannot explain our complete and utter devastation. She will be so dearly missed.
“We were so incredibly proud of Grace’s achievements and what a truly lovely person she was. She was resilient and wise beyond her years.
“Grace was so happy in life fulfilling her ambition of studying to become a doctor whilst playing top-flight hockey at university.
“She leaves behind devastated extended family and friends.”
Her hometown team Southgate Hockey Club added to the wave of tributes. In a statement they said: “It is with profound sadness that we have learned of the death of Grace O’Malley Kumar, a hugely talented and much loved member of Southgate HC junior section and Women’s 1st team, ahead of her move to Nottingham University.
“We are shocked and devastated by the news and our thoughts and sincere condolences are with Grace’s family, friends and teammates.”
Miss O’Malley-Kumar’s father is thought to be hero doctor Dr Sanjoy Kumar, who had saved the lives of three teens knifed in a gang attack near his GP surgery.
In a statement on Tuesday, the University of Nottingham said: “It is with great sadness that we confirm the sudden and unexpected death of two of our students following a major incident in Nottingham city centre overnight.
“We are shocked and devastated by the news and our thoughts are with those affected, their families and friends.
“We know this is likely to cause distress for staff and students in our community.”
A graduation ball set to take place on Tuesday evening at the university has been cancelled. A vigil at Nottingham’s St Peter’s Church, in the city centre, was attended by hundreds of people paying their respects to those who died and those injured.
Kate Meynell, the Chief Constable of Nottinghamshire Police, described what had happened as “an horrific and tragic incident which has claimed the lives of three people”.
She added: “We believe these three incidents are all linked and we have a man in custody.
“This investigation is at its early stages and a team of detectives is working to establish exactly what has happened.”
The police chief said the motive behind the attack was yet to be determined, but officers were keeping an “open mind” and working with counter-terror police.
