Tragic Crash Claims Lives of University of Essex Students

Four University of Essex students, Makyle Bayley, Eva Darold-Tchikaya, Anthony Hibbert, and Daljang Wol, were killed in a crash in Colchester on February 1. The driver, Makyle Bayley, was speeding at about 94mph before crashing into a shop on Magdalen Street, the Essex Coroner's Court heard.

The students were described as having "a lot of potential and dreams for the future" by senior coroner Lincoln Brookes, who ruled their deaths as a road traffic collision. Tributes highlighted the talents of the students, with Mr. Hibbert, Mr. Wol, and Mr. Bayley known for basketball skills, and Ms. Darold-Tchikaya as a skilled dancer.

CCTV footage showed the group dancing at a nightclub before leaving in a car at around 4:30 am. The car was seen speeding, overshooting a red light, and entering Magdalen Street out of control, eventually crashing into a building roof-first, killing all four students instantly.

Mr. Bayley was found to be driving under the influence, being two-and-a-half times over the legal alcohol limit. The courtroom in Chelmsford was emotional as tributes to the students were read, with Mr. Bayley described as a remarkable young man, Mr. Wol known for his generosity, Mr. Hibbert as reliable, and Ms. Darold-Tchikaya as a kind soul growing in confidence.

Senior coroner Lincoln Brookes expressed the tragedy of the loss of the four young and ambitious individuals, attributing the crash to grossly excessive speed and alcohol impairment. The university community was deeply affected by the deaths of the students.