The final video of a talented dancer who was killed in a horror crash alongside three university students has been revealed as heartfelt tributes flood in.
University of Essex sutdents, Makyle Bayley, 22, Eva Darold-Tchikaya, 21, Anthony Hibbert, 24, and Daljang Wol, 22 all died at the scene of the suspected high speed crash in Colchester on Saturday.
The tragic deaths were confirmed by the university’s Vice Chancellor, Maria Fasli, who said their losses would be felt by families, friends and the university community.
Friends have penned touching tributes to Eva, who was the vice-president of the university’s dance club, on her final post before the tragedy on Magdalen Street.
‘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,’ one wrote.
‘I hope you’re Dancing in the Sky Eva. RIP,’ penned one grieving friend said.
The clip, which shows talented Eva dancing, read: ‘2024 over and out. This year has been incredible and one for the books.
‘To every teacher I’ve taken class from and to everyone who’s shown support THANK YOU. Dance journey continues, goodbye 24 and welcome 25.’
Friends have penned touching tributes to Eva, who was the vice-president of the university’s dance club, on her final post before the tragedy on Magdalen Street
21-year-old Eva Darold-Tchikaya, who was a talented dancer and the Vice President of the University of Essex club, died alongside three others in a crash on Saturday
The clip, which shows talented Eva dancing, read: ‘2024 over and out. This year has been incredible and one for the books
Gifted basketball player Makyle Bayley, 22, was also among the students who tragically lost their lives in the incident
The university’s dance club, where Eva was vice-president, has since released a touching tribute to their ‘wonderful’ teammate and teacher.
In an Instagram story, they wrote: ‘Our dance family has lost, a wonderful dancer, teammate and Vice President. Eva Darold-Tchikaya you are forever in our hearts.’
Essex Rebels Basketball team also issued a moving tribute to the four students, including ‘incredibly talented’ and ‘gifted’ basketball players, Anthony, Daljang and Makyle.
‘We are heartbroken by the loss of Makyle Bayley, Eva Darold-Tchikaya, Anthony Hibbert and Daljang Wol,’ they said.
‘No words can fully express the incredible sadness everyone in the Rebels family is feeling.These were young lives filled with hope, promise, talent, and dreams for the future.’
‘Anthony and Daljang were incredibly talented members of our men’s 1st team who were loved by our fans.
‘Makyle was also a gifted basketball player who was part of our BUCS teams and Eva undertook multiple roles within our Essex Blades Dance Club and was active in many other sporting societies.’
A moment of silence within the basketball world is set to take place to remember the four students, the Essex Blades announced.
The ‘heartbreaking’ smash was so severe it is said police couldn’t tell what make the car was after it careered up a pavement and ploughed into a building – and locals were told ‘not to look’ by police.
Anthony Hibbert,24, who was described as an ‘outstanding’ member of the University’s elite basketball squad also lost his life
His ‘incredibly talented’ team-mate Daljang Wol, 22, also lost his life in the horror crash last Saturday
The scene in Colchester where four students died after a vehicle crashed into a building
The victims have been named as Makyle Bayley, 22, Eva Darold-Tchikaya, 21, Anthony Hibbert, 24, and Daljang Wol, 22, who were all studying at the University of Essex in Colchester
Gavin Naylor, the coach of the Rebels basketball team also issued a heartfelt tribute to his three players, writing: ‘I have no words to describe what we have lost today. The court will never be the same.’
The accident happened at 4.40am on Saturday when the driver went up the wrong side of the road and mounted the pavement, hitting a set of brick steps outside a house.
The car then became embedded in the corner of a building containing a secondhand shop and a Thai massage parlour in Magdalen Street.
The impact was so great that bricks and debris was spread up to 50 yards up the road, according to shocked witnesses.
Temporary Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Hooper of Essex Police 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.’
They added: ‘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.
A statement issued by the University of Essex Students Union following the tragedy
The University of Essex also released a touching tribute, adding that the ‘whole Unviersity’ was mourning the loss of the four promising students
‘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.’
Anyone who saw a black Ford Focus being driven along Magdalen Street or in the area at the time, as well as individuals with CCTV dash cam or doorbell footage have been urged to get in contact with Essex Police.
If you have any information regarding the incident, you can submit a report on their website using their Live Chat service which is available 24/7.
You can also get in touch by calling 101 quoting incident 179 of February 1.
For those who want to make an anonymous report you can contact independent charity Crimestoppers by visiting their website or calling 0800 555 111.
Essex Student’s Union also released a message to the four, who were ‘extremely active members’ of the student community.
‘We are heartbroken to share the news that four of our student members have tragically lost their lives over the weekend.
‘Makyle Bayley, Eva Darold-Tchikaya, Anthony Hibbert and Daijang Wp; were all well-known, extremely active members of our student community, touching the lives of so many of us at Essex.
‘Anthony and Daijan were outstanding members of our Essex Rebels men’s basketball 1st team, Makyle was a talented basketball player who was a member of our BUCS basketball team and Eva was extremely active in many SU clubs and societies, including as a Vice President of Essex Blades Dance.
‘The grief felt by so many in response to this news is unimaginable. Our thoughts and condolences are with their families, friends and everyone who knew them at this tragic time.
‘They were young, talented, team-mates, family and friends whose lives have been cut tragically shot.
A view of the secondhand shop and Thai massage parlour which was wrecked when a car smashed into the building, killing four students
The smash was so severe it is said police couldn’t tell what make the car was after it careered up a pavement and ploughed into a building
‘We hold their memory in our hearts as we grieve together and support one another through this terrible time.’
In a separate statement Vice Chancellor, Maria Fasli said:’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.
‘At a time like this, words can never describe our sadness and emotion. But it is more important than ever that we come together, support one another, and honour their memory.
‘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.’
