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, TJ Hibbert and Daljang Wol were all well-known, extremely active members of our student community, touching the lives of so many of us at Essex.
TJ and Daljang 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 tragic news is unimaginable. Our thoughts and condolences are with their families, friends and everyone who knew them at this tragic time.
This is an extremely difficult time for so many in our student community and it’s important to know that support is available from the University and Students’ Union for anyone that needs it.
The University’s operates in-person, phone, email and live chat facilities. Our service is also available for you, and there are a number of to support your mental and emotional health.
We’ll be sharing more details for how we can come together as a community and honour the memory of Makyle, Eva, TJ and Daljang and over the coming days.
They were young, talented, team-mates, family and friends whose lives have been cut tragically short.
We hold their memory in our hearts as we grieve together and support one another through this terrible time.