BBC News, Essex
Essex Police/Essex Rebels BasketballFour university students killed in a crash died of head injuries or multiple injuries, the opening of an inquest has heard.
Makyle Bayley, 22, Eva Darold-Tchikaya, 21, Anthony “TJ” 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 Bayley and Ms Darold-Tchikaya suffered severe traumatic head injuries, Thursday’s hearing at Essex Coroner’s Court was told. Mr Hibbert and Mr Wol had multiple injuries.
Senior coroner Lincoln Brookes, who offered his condolences to the families of the University of Essex students, said: “Sadly and very tragically all four individuals died together.”
He added: “Unusually, at the request of the police, I attended the scene and the deceased and the vehicle on the day over the weekend.”
Coroner’s officer Andy Flack told the hearing Mr Bayley had been driving the car.
The inquest, in Chelmsford, was adjourned until 18 July while the Essex Police investigation continued.
The force appealed to anyone who saw a black Ford Focus being driven in the area to come forward.
The University of Essex has said it is in mourning for the four students, who had all been well known on campus.
Mr Hibbert and Mr Wol had been “outstanding members” of the Essex Rebels men’s basketball team, it said.
Mr Bayley was a “talented basketball player” and a member of the British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) basketball team.
Ms Darold-Tchikaya had multiple roles in the Essex Blades Dance Club and was active in other clubs and societies.
The Labour MP for Colchester has asked the government for a meeting to discuss road safety in Essex following the deaths of the four students and two children in Pitsea at the weekend.
Speaking in the House of Commons on Wednesday, Pam Cox said: “All four of those were much-loved students at the University of Essex.
“I wish to put on record a tribute to the police and first responders at that terrible scene.”
