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The family of Eva Darold-Tchikaya say “her happiness, enthusiasm, kindness, positive energy with always a smile on her face, will be missed by everyone”.
Eva, 21, was in a car with three friends – 24 year-old TJ Hibbert, 22 year-old DJ Wol, and Makyle Bayley, also 22 – which collided with a building in Magdalen Street, Colchester on Saturday (1 February).
All four University of Essex students died at the scene.
Paying tribute to her, Eva’s family said:
“Eva was a dearly loved daughter, sister, grand-daughter and niece.
“Her happiness, enthusiasm, kindness, positive energy with always a smile on her face, will be missed by everyone who knew her, family and friends.
“Eva was studying Sports Science at Colchester University. She was in her placement year coaching football, a member of Essex Blade Dances club and participant in other activities such as netball.
“She was passionate about dance, was a talented performer in RnB and Street Dance, attending many classes in London.
“She enjoyed cooking too.
“As Eva’s parents and family our pain has no words. We request to be left alone and allowed to grieve during this tragic time.”
Specialist officers continue to support the families of Eva, TJ, DJ, and Makyle.
The family of Daljang ‘DJ’ Wol say he had a “contagious smile” and his “kindness left a lasting impact on countless lives.
Twenty-two year-old DJ was one of four people who died when the car they were in collided with a building in Magdalen Street, Colchester on Saturday (1 February).
DJ’s family said:
“With heavy hearts, we share the passing of our beloved son, Daljang Wol (popularly known as DJ), who’s life was cut short by a tragic car accident on Saturday, 1st February 2025.
“DJ was the heart of our family-a source of unconditional love, guidance, and strength.
“Our beloved son, DJ, lived a life filled with happiness, laughter, and dedication to basketball.
“His smile was contagious and it touched everyone who knew him. His kindness left a lasting impact on countless lives.
“We will forever cherish the memories, the lessons, and the love he shared with us.
“We find comfort in knowing that DJ died as a hero because he touched so many lives in the little time he shared with us in this earth.
“Though our hearts are shattered, the Bible says David encouraged himself in the Lord, therefore the Lord will be our strength and help us overcome the tough days ahead.
“At this time, the family requests privacy as we grieve this profound loss. The details regarding funeral arrangements will be shared once they become available.”
DJ was a student at the university of Essex as were the other three people in the car - 22 year-old Makyle Bayley, 21 year-old Eva Darold-Tchikaya, and 24 year-old TJ Hibbert.
All their families are being supported by specialist officers.
Our enquiries into the collision are ongoing and at this stage we do not believe any other vehicles were involved.
The family of Makyle Bayley say the “kindness, thoughtfulness, and the joy he brought to those around him will never be forgotten”.
Makyle, 22, was one of four people who we have provisionally identified as having died when the car they were in collided with a building in Magdalen Street, Colchester on Saturday (1 February).
In a statement his family said:
“Makyle was an extraordinary young man, full of life and promise.
“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.
“His dedication to the sport extended beyond playing, as he also became a youth coach and the first ambassador for the YES charity, inspiring others with his enthusiasm and commitment.
“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. He was a remarkable young man, and his memory will live on in the countless lives he touched."
Makyle, and the three other people in the car – 24 year-old TJ Hibbert, 21 year-old Eva Darold-Tchikaya, and 22 year-old Daljang Wol – were all students at the University of Essex.
Specialist officers continue to support their families.
The family of Anthony Junior ‘TJ’ Hibbert say he was ‘loved by all’ and left a ‘lasting warmth in the hearts of everyone he met’.
TJ, 24, was one of four people who we have provisionally identified as having died when the car they were in collided with a building in Magdalen Street, Colchester on Saturday (1 February).
Paying tribute to him his family said:
“We are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of TJ, a young man whose passion for basketball was matched only by his kindness and uplifting spirit.
“He was loved by all, and his presence left a lasting warmth in the hearts of everyone he met”.
TJ and the three other people in the car - 22 year-old Makyle Bayley, 21 year-old Eva Darold-Tchikaya, and 22 year-old Daljang Wol – were all students at the University of Essex.
Specialist officers continue to support their families.
Our enquiries into the collision are ongoing and at this stage we do not believe any other vehicles were involved.
If you saw a black Ford Focus being driven along Magdalen Street or near vicinity at that time, have any CCTV, dash cam or doorbell footage, or have any information please get in contact with us
Please quote incident 179 of 1 February.
You can let us know by submitting a report on our website or by using our online Live Chat service which is available 24 hours-a-day, seven days-a-week.
Visit our website to find out more about our online reporting services or call 101.
If you would like to make an anonymous report you can contact independent charity @Crimestoppers, by visiting their website or by calling 0800 555 111.
Essex Police is now in a position to provisionally name the people who died in yesterday’s collision in Colchester.
A car, with three men and a woman inside, was in collision with a building in Magdalen Street shortly before 4.40am on Saturday 1 February.
Twenty two year-old Makyle Bayley, 21 year-old Eva Darold-Tchikaya, Anthony Hibbert, who was 24, and 22 year-old Daljang Wol all died at the scene.
All four were students at the University of Essex.
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.
“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.”
If you saw a black Ford Focus being driven along Magdalen Street or near vicinity at that time, have any CCTV, dash cam or doorbell footage, or have any information please get in contact with us
Please quote incident 179 of 1 February.
You can let us know by submitting a report on our website or by using our online Live Chat service which is available 24 hours-a-day, seven days-a-week.
Visit our website to find out more about our online reporting services or call 101.
If you would like to make an anonymous report you can contact independent charity @Crimestoppers, by visiting their website or by calling 0800 555 111.
Four people have died following a collision in Colchester early this morning.
We were called shortly before 4.40am today (Saturday 1 February) to reports a vehicle had been in collision with a building in Magdalen Street.
Emergency services attended but, sadly, four people died at the scene.
Their families have been informed and will be supported by specialist officers.
The road has been closed for much of the day while the vehicle was recovered and we carried out enquiries.
Temporary Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Hooper said:
“My thoughts, and those of everyone at Essex Police, is with the friends and families of the four people who died this morning.
“I want to thank the businesses and residents in Magdalen Street area for their support and understanding today in what has been a really difficult and tragic situation.
“I also want to pay tribute to emergency services personnel who have worked diligently, professionally, and compassionately to ensure the dignity of those who have died.
“Our enquiries to establish what led up to the collision are ongoing and I need anyone with information to contact us.”
If you have any information, CCTV, dash cam or other footage in relation to this incident, then please get in contact with us.
Please quote incident 179 of 1 February.
You can let us know by submitting a report on our website or by using our online Live Chat service which is available 24 hours-a-day, seven days-a-week.
Visit our website to find out more about our online reporting services.
If you would like to make an anonymous report you can contact independent charity @Crimestoppers, by visiting their website or by calling 0800 555 111.
We are on scene of a serious collision in Colchester which is likely to have an impact throughout today.
We were called shortly before 4.40am today (Saturday 1 February) to reports a vehicle had been in collision with a building in Magdalen Street.
Emergency services responded and the road has been closed.
We are expecting the road to remain shut throughout today while our investigation takes place.
Please avoid the area if you can and plan your journey, we will update you when we are able to.
We’re working with residents affected by the road closure about access to and from their properties.
Our officers will be carrying out enquiries in the area to establish the circumstances which led up to the collision and we need anyone who has any information to contact us.
If you have any information, CCTV, dash cam or other footage in relation to this incident, then please get in contact with us.
Please quote incident 179 of 1 February.
You can let us know by submitting a report on our website or by using our online Live Chat service which is available 24 hours-a-day, seven days-a-week.
Visit our website to find out more about our online reporting services.
If you would like to make an anonymous report you can contact independent charity @Crimestoppers, by visiting their website or by calling 0800 555 111.
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