Memorial basketball game being held to celebrate lives of students killed in crash
A MEMORIAL basketball game will celebrate the lives of four university students who tragically lost their lives in a car crash.
Essex University will celebrate the lives of Daljang ‘DJ’ Wol, TJ Hibbert, Eva Darold-Tchikaya and Makyle Bayley, who died on February 1.
DJ and TJ were both much-loved and valued members of the university’s Essex Rebels D1 Men’s basketball team, while Eva was an active member and vice-president of the Essex Blades Dance Club and other clubs and societies.
Makyle, who was also a talented basketball player, was a member of the British University and College Sport (BUCS) basketball team for the Essex university.
A club spokesperson said: "The past week has been incredibly difficult for everyone in the Essex Rebels family.
Memory - Flower displays remembered the loss and lives of the four students (Image: Daniel Rees, Newsquest)
“Our priority has been the wellbeing of our players, staff, and those most affected by the tragic loss of DJ, TJ, Eva, and Makyle.
“As a club, we have been fully supportive of our players, and the decision on whether to continue the season was theirs to make.
“After deep reflection, they have chosen to play on in honour of their teammates.
“We will do everything in our power to honour their legacies and make them proud. The remainder of this season is for them.”
In honour of the four students, all Rebels basketball teams will play across two games on Saturday, February 15.
Before every tip-off a 24-second applause, the length of a basketball shot clock, will ring out across the sports arena.
Games will commence at 5pm and 7.30pm, with the main tribute taking place during the half-time of the second game, where the D1 team will meet the Newcastle Knights.
Games - The memorial event will celebrate the lives of the much-loved students
A spokesman confirmed that the Rebels teams have decided to continue their seasons “to honour the lives of their teammates”.
The event comes after a private memorial event held for students and the university community last Friday.
Initially scheduled as Jersey Night, tickets purchased are valid for this game.
Tickets are still available at the Essex Rebels website at https://app.fanbaseclub.com/Fan/Tickets/SelectType?fixtureId=8978.
The four students were killed in a car crash in Magdalen Street on February 1.
A full inquest will take place in July, following a thorough investigation by the forensic collision investigation unit of Essex Police.
