Tributes paid to four students killed in crash
Tributes have been paid to four students who died in a crash that has left a city's university "torn apart".
University of Essex students Makyle Bayley, 22, Eva Darold-Tchikaya, 21, Anthony Hibbert, 24 and Daljang Wol, 22, died when a car crashed into a building on Magdalen Street, Colchester, at about 04:40 GMT on Saturday.
Mr Hibbert's family said he was "loved by all" and left a "lasting warmth in the hearts of everyone he met".
Mr Wol's family said he had a "contagious" smile, adding that "his kindness left a lasting impact on countless lives", and Mr Bayley's family said he was an "extraordinary young man".
The university said all the students had a played an active role on campus through clubs and societies and were well known.
It said Mr Hibbert and Mr Wol had been "outstanding members" of the Essex Rebels men's basketball team, while Mr Bayley was a member of the British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) basketball team.
Ms Darold-Tchikaya was a member of the Essex Blades dance club, as well as other societies.
In a statement, the sports science student's family said her "happiness, enthusiasm, kindness, positive energy" would be missed by all.
Paying tribute to Mr Hibbert, 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."
Mr Bayley was an "extraordinary young man" who was in his final year of studying sports science, his family said.
"Makyle was much more than a talented athlete - he was a beloved son, a proud big brother, and a true friend to so many," they added.
"His kindness, thoughtfulness and the joy he brought to those around him will never be forgotten."
The family of Mr Wol said: "With heavy hearts, we share the passing of our beloved son, Daljang Wol (popularly known as DJ), whose life was cut short by a tragic car accident.
"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 on this Earth."
The vice-chancellor, Prof Maria Fasli, said the "whole university is in mourning".
"They touched the lives of so many of us at Essex; their friends, classmates, the teams they played for, and the staff with whom they spent time," she said.
Pam Cox, Colchester's Labour MP, was formerly professor of social history and criminology at the university and said: "I know what will be going on there.
"They look after their students so well; they will rally round, but they will be absolutely torn apart by this.
"It's just devastating; absolutely awful. I can't imagine what it must be like; as a parent your heart absolutely goes out. Four young people in Colchester cut off in their prime.
"I wouldn't want to speculate as to causes or the nature of what happened, but once we know a bit more about it, we can look to see if any improvements can be made in that specific area."
Alan Bolster, who lives opposite the scene, said he was asleep when he woke to the sound "of an almighty crash".
He said he looked out of a window, adding: "As soon as I saw the car in the side of the building, I got on to the emergency services and called for an ambulance.
"There wasn't a great deal I could do. I just waited for emergency services to turn up and at that point it was fairly clear that it was a serious accident.
"Very sad indeed."
Essex Police said the students, who died at the scene, had all been inside the car.
The force said it was not thought any other vehicles were involved.
It has appealed to anyone who saw a black Ford Focus being driven in the area to come forward.
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