The partner of Gaby Hutchinson, who died following the tragic crowd crush at Brixton's O2 Academy on 15 December, has paid a loving tribute. Gaby (who used the pronouns they/them), aged 23, was there working on the security team when the venue became packed out with people wanting to see Afrobeat artist, Asake – now, their partner, Phoebie Turley, is demanding justice.
Phoebe says she is speaking out not only for Gaby, but for Rebecca Ikumelo, 33, a mother-of-two who also worked on the security team and died from being injured that night.
A third victim is currently in a critical condition.
"They were just a good person," Phoebe told the media when speaking about Gaby, with whom she had a relationship for three years. "Gaby literally would have done anything for anyone at the drop of a hat. They weren't bothered who you were, Gaby would have given you the shirt off their back if someone else needed it. And they were like that our entire relationship. They did everything for me from the minute we met."
"Justice needs to be served and someone needs to be found accountable for what happened. Not just for Gaby, but just for Rebecca as well," Phoebie was quoted saying by the BBC. "This consequence has come out of people turning up with no tickets, or turning up trying to kick through a door. For what? What purpose did that serve? Because now you have killed innocent people."
Before working as a general purpose dog handler, Gaby also spent time working as a carer - something Phoebie said was typical of her partner's caring nature, in a GoFundMe page that has been set up to help cover funeral expenses, to support Gaby's family, donate to a dog-related charity and to ensure Gaby's own dog, Coco, is well cared for. Over £4,000 has been raised so far.
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"They didn't go to cause trouble. They went there precisely to do their job and keep people safe," said Phoebie. "And that's the only thing that gives me comfort is they did save some people that night whether they lost their life or not. They saved other people in the process."
A Met Police investigation into what happened at the concert that night is ongoing.
You can donate to the GoFundMe page in memory of Gaby Hutchinson here. Our thoughts are with all of Gaby's loved ones during this incredibly sad time.
Jennifer Savin is Cosmopolitan UK's multiple award-winning Features Editor, who was crowned Digital Journalist of the Year for her work tackling the issues most important to young women. She regularly covers breaking news, cultural trends, health, the royals and more, using her esteemed connections to access the best experts along the way. She's grilled everyone from high-profile politicians to A-list celebrities, and has sensitively interviewed hundreds of people about their real life stories. In addition to this, Jennifer is widely known for her own undercover investigations and campaign work, which includes successfully petitioning the government for change around topics like abortion rights and image-based sexual abuse. Jennifer is also a published author, documentary consultant (helping to create BBC’s Deepfake Porn: Could You Be Next?) and a patron for Y.E.S. (a youth services charity). Alongside Cosmopolitan, Jennifer has written for The Times, Women’s Health, ELLE and numerous other publications, appeared on podcasts, and spoken on (and hosted) panels for the Women of the World Festival, the University of Manchester and more. In her spare time, Jennifer is a big fan of lipstick, leopard print and over-ordering at dinner. Follow Jennifer on Instagram, X or LinkedIn.
