Tragic weekend as 5 young people from basketball community pass

The basketball community has been left mourning after five young members passed away this weekend in two separate incidents.

Makyle Bayley, 22, Eva Darold-Tchikaya, 21, Anthony ‘TJ’ Hibbert, 24 and Daljang ‘DJ’ Wol, 22, from the Essex Rebels programme all died at the scene of a car crash in the early hours of Saturday morning, while Idryck Wilkinson, 22, from Brixton Topcats and Itchen academy, also tragically lost his life in an unrelated incident.

The NBL Division One game between Essex Rebels and Bradford Dragons and the NBL Division Two South contest between Essex Rebels II and Richmond Knights were both postponed last week, while tributes are expected to take place across the country this weekend.

In a statement published on the University of Essex website, Vice Chancellor Maria Fasli wrote:

It is with deep sadness that I must share the devastating news that four of our students – Makyle Bayley, TJ Hibbert, Eva Darold-Tchikaya, and Daljang ‘DJ’ Wol – tragically lost their lives this weekend.

These were young lives filled with hope, promise, talent, and dreams for the future. They all played an active role in our community through clubs and societies and were well-known around the University. TJ and DJ were outstanding members of our Essex Rebels men’s basketball 1st team, Makyle was a talented basketball player who was a member of our BUCS basketball team and Eva undertook several roles in our Essex Blades Dance Club and was active in many other clubs and societies.

Their loss will be felt by their families and closest friends and by all our university community. In classrooms, in halls, in shared moments of laughter and learning – they were part of us, and their absence will be felt profoundly.

At a time like this, words can never describe our sadness and emotion. But it is more important than ever that we come together, support one another, and honour their memory. In the coming days, we will share details of a time and place for our university community to gather in remembrance, to reflect on their lives, and to stand alongside those who loved them.

This news will affect each of us in different ways and if you need help or support, details of where you can find this are provided below.

In the coming days and weeks, we will find ways to honour Makyle, TJ, Eva, and DJ and ensure their light continues to shine in our university community.

For now, we hold their families, their friends, and each other in our hearts.

Maria Fasli

Vice Chancellor

Both Brixton and Itchen paid tribute to Idryck on their social media channels.

“The staff, coaches, board, and directors are profoundly heartbroken by the sudden passing of Idryck,” Topcats wrote.

“Our loss is immeasurable, and we are all deeply moved by this tragic event.

“Idryck was not just a member of the club; he was an irreplaceable part of its heart. His absence leaves a void that will be felt by all who had the privilege of knowing him. He embodied the spirit of the club – a kind-hearted, selfless individual who touched the lives of so many. Loved by his peers and coaches, Idryck was a mentor to the younger members, always offering a gentle smile or a kind word, never hesitating to share his warmth and wisdom.

“At this time, our thoughts are with his family, who now face this unbearable loss. We extend our deepest love and condolences to them as they navigate this heartbreaking moment.

“Rest in peace, Idryck. Your memory, your kindness, and your spirit will live on in our hearts forever.

With love,
Brixton Topcats”

DJ Wol was MVP of the Division 3 Playoff title game last year, punctuating an undefeated season with the Rebels, while TJ Hibbert has been a standout since junior level, where he was named CBL First Team for Erith College in 2017/18.

Bayley, a former Hackney Jedi, was also a talented player who played for Essex’s British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) team. Darold-Tchikaya had multiple roles in the Essex Blades Dance Club and was active in other clubs and societies.

Idryck Wilkinson was a talented athlete who, after coming through the Brixton Topcats programme and attending Itchen for his academy basketball, earned a scholarship to the US to Lee College before returning home.

Hoopsfix offers our deepest sympathies to all the family, friends and clubs of those who have passed.

R.I.P.

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