Four University of Essex students who tragically lost their lives in a car crash in Colchester have been named by Essex Police.
The incident occurred around 4:40 a.m. on Saturday on Magdalen Street, when a black Ford Focus crashed into a building. The victims have been identified as Makyle Bayley, 22, Eva Darold-Tchikaya, 21, Anthony Hibbert, 24, and Daljang Wol, 22.
The university community is mourning the loss of these students. Professor Maria Fasli, the university’s acting vice-chancellor, paid tribute to them, describing them as young lives filled with hope, promise, talent, and dreams for the future.
In a statement, she highlighted their involvement in university life. Anthony Hibbert and Daljang Wol were key players in the Essex Rebels men’s basketball first team. Makyle Bayley was a talented basketball player and a member of the university’s BUCS basketball team. Eva Darold-Tchikaya was an active member of the Essex Blades Dance Club and participated in multiple societies.
Their absence will be felt profoundly—in classrooms, in halls, in shared moments of laughter and learning, Fasli added.
The university announced plans to hold a remembrance gathering in the coming days to honor their lives.
Essex Police have launched an appeal for witnesses who may have seen the black Ford Focus being driven on or near Magdalen Street around the time of the crash. They are also requesting any available CCTV, dash-cam, or doorbell footage.
Temporary Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Hooper extended condolences to the victims’ loved ones, stating, This will be an incredibly difficult time for their families, and we have specialist officers supporting them.
Authorities confirmed that no other vehicles are believed to have been involved in the crash. The force’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit is leading the inquiry to determine the cause of the accident.
