The first photograph has been released of a 29-year-old footballer who died after a tree crushed his car during Storm Boelo in north London. James Abiwon was pronounced dead at the scene on Dollis Road in Mill Hill on Sunday afternoon.
Mr Abiwon, a tech sales executive and talented sportsman, was preparing to celebrate his 30th birthday with a padel tournament. His cousin, Tyrrell Okolo, described him as “a master of everything”.
Tributes from family and friends
Speaking to Metro, Mr Okolo said Mr Abiwon was a “massive family man” who was also excelling in his career. He added: “He was a semi-pro footballer with Aldershot. He also had a music career with 40,000 viewers on YouTube. He was a mentor to many.”
Kwame Affum, who knew the victim since the age of 13, said he was “heartbroken” by the death of his friend. Mr Affum, who had seen him only a couple of days earlier, said “alarm bells started ringing” after he didn’t respond to a message.
Details of the incident
The Metropolitan Police said it was called to Dollis Road at around 12.40pm on Sunday following reports a tree had fallen onto a moving car. The force confirmed a man in his 20s was pronounced dead at the scene. Paramedics, firefighters and an air ambulance were also dispatched following the incident.
Paying tribute to his friend, Mr Affum told Metro: “He loved sport; he was a good footballer and supported Arsenal. He was just good at everything. He got a first at uni and was doing brilliantly at his job. He had just won an award. He was full of energy and talent. He was going to celebrate his 30th birthday in two weeks. It just seems impossible this has happened.”
Storm impact and memorial
The padel tournament for Mr Abiwon’s birthday is going ahead in his memory, with all proceeds going towards his family. Gusts reached 84mph as Storm Boelo swept across much of the UK over the weekend.
Another person was killed after being hit by a falling tree in the storm. Botanic garden curator Richard Baines, 60, died while walking near his home in Dumfries and Galloway on Sunday.
