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Brixton O2 Academy Asake crush: Fundraiser launched to support family

A Gofundme page has been set up after a security guard was killed in the Brixton O2 Academy crush.

Gaby Hutchinson, from Gravesend, died while working at the London venue on Thursday for Afrobeats artist Asake's show.

Gaby Hutchinson was working at the Brixton O2 Academy last week and died on hospital on Monday. Photo: Metropolitan Police
Gaby Hutchinson was working at the Brixton O2 Academy last week and died on hospital on Monday. Photo: Metropolitan Police

The 23-year-old was in the Academy's foyer entrance when a number of people stormed the site. Gaby died in hospital on Monday.

A Gofundme page was set up yesterday to help Gaby's family and partner, and the money will help towards funeral expenses and the care of Gaby's GP dog, Coco.

A portion of the funds raised will also go to a chosen retired working dog charity, which is "what Gaby would have wanted."

The page says: "On December 15, Gaby Hutchinson started their shift as a dog handler at Asake's concert Brixton 02 with Coco, their GP dog.

"Gaby stood their ground and performed their job to the high standard they always would.

"Gaby Hutchinson had the kindest soul. They lived their life making sure everyone had what they needed and more, even if it left Gaby with nothing. Gaby was known for helping others, constantly buying people stuff to make them smile (didn't matter if it was food or something Gaby found relevant to the person), being too cheeky and being a protector.

"Before Gaby became a dog handler, they worked as a carer. Gaby has always had that strong passion to care and help others, and I know that shined through until the end.

Two people have died and one remains critically injured after people tried to storm the Brixton O2 Academy on Thursday. Picture: James Manning/PA
Two people have died and one remains critically injured after people tried to storm the Brixton O2 Academy on Thursday. Picture: James Manning/PA

"On December 19, Gaby went to sleep after an amazing fight. They made us all so proud with how much they really fought to stay in this world, but the fight was too much and Gaby had to let go and get some rest.

"We hope that Gaby will be remembered and recognised as the loving, brave individual they were. As the person that would love with 110% of their heart, and protect with all of their might.

"You will never be forgotten Gaby. You have left a mark on all of our lives, and life without you will be a little less colourful. Sleep tight."

Gaby's partner, Phoebie Turley, has paid tribute to them.

She said: "Mine and my babies entire life will never be the same again and my heart will forever be broken.

"I have over 5000 pictures and videos of Gabs but this one is so special to me as this was his dream job GP dog handler and drug dog handler gab worked extremely hard to get this job even with a broken back he still wasn’t scared.

"I've never met someone who truly puts others before themselves the way you do. Three years of pure love and I genuinely cannot begin to put into words what you mean to me and our boys.

"The way you love me was something I've never felt before and something I will forever be in awe of. I love you with my entire heart and soul and I will until the day we meet again my little angel. I promise I will try to stay strong for the babies.

"I’m so proud of you for being yourself and never being ashamed of who you truly are my handsome boy. Your final shift has ended my darling sleep tight.

"Until we meet again gabs. Forever and always baby boy."

Police officers at the Brixton O2 Academy the day after many were injured in a crush. Picture: PA
Police officers at the Brixton O2 Academy the day after many were injured in a crush. Picture: PA

The Metropolitan Police are working to establish what happened but describe the incident as "large and complex".

The O2 Academy has offered "heartfelt condolences" to Gaby Hutchinson's family and friends.

A spokesman said: "We continue to be devastated by this tragic situation and are fully supporting the ongoing situation."

On Thursday, Lambeth Council’s licensing sub-committee decided to force the site to close until a further meeting on January 16 next year.

Announcing the decision, Cllr Fred Cowell said: “The sub-committee accepts the licence-holder’s offer to voluntarily close has been made in good faith.

“They have already cancelled a New Year’s Eve event and will cancel other events between now and January 16 2023.

“However, counsel for the licence-holder… accepted that a voluntary undertaking by his client is not enforceable in law were it to be breached.

“The sub-committee’s focus today is on measures necessary to prevent serious crime or serious disorder or both at the venue.

“The sub-committee is aware that investigations are at an early stage and the facts that led up to the fatal incident are not entirely clear.

“However, in the view of the licensing sub-committee, given the severity of events of December 15 2022, the risks to public safety as a consequence of, in particular, serious disorder rising from a lack of crowd control at the front doors of the venue remain high if the venue were able to operate as before.”

Cllr Cowell said the decision should not be taken as an indication as to what the sub-committee will conclude at the next meeting in January.

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