Essex Rebels basketball player, Makyle Bayley’s parents released a statement on Monday after his sudden demise. Bayley, 22, was one of four people involved in the Colchester car crash.
Makyle Bayley, Eva Darold-Tchikaya, 21, Anthony Junior-Hibbert, 24, and Dajang Wol, 22, were all inside a car that hit a building in Magdalen Street, Colchester.
The accident happened shortly before 4:40 AM on Saturday, with all four victims dead at the scene.
The University of Essex released a statement that all the students had played an active role on campus through clubs and societies, and were well known.
Our whole University is in mourning for Makyle, Eva, Anthony and Daljang.
— University of Essex (@Uni_of_Essex) February 2, 2025
They touched the lives of so many of us. Our thoughts are with everyone who knew them.
If you need support please get in touch with our team: https://t.co/T2vmSvnK2f pic.twitter.com/4M3xlPglxl
It said Hibbert and Wol had been “outstanding members” of the Essex Rebels men’s basketball team, while Bayley was a British Universities and College Sports basketball team member.
Tchikaya was a member of the Essex Blades Dance Club and other societies.
In their post, shared on X (formerly Twitter), the University of Essex wrote, “They touched the lives of so many of us at Essex: their friends, classmates, the teams they played for, and the staff with whom they spent time.
These were young lives filled with hope, promise, talent, and dreams of the future.”
Police are enquiring about the collision, and at this stage, the officers do not believe any other vehicles were involved.
Makyle Bayley’s Parents And Family Release A Statement Mourning His Death
The University of Essex basketball player Makyle Bayley’s parents and family have released a statement for their eldest son.
In a statement shared by Essex Police on Monday, Bayley’s family said he was “a remarkable young man, and his memory will live on in the countless lives he touched.”
They further wrote, “He was in his final year studying sports science at the University of Essex, where he was not only dedicated to his academic pursuits but also to his love of basketball.
A passionate player from a young age, he proudly represented the Essex Rebels, his university’s basketball team.”
Makyle was much more than a talented athlete–he was a beloved son, a proud big brother, and a true friend to many. His kindness, thoughtfulness, and the joy he brought to those around him will never be forgotten.
via: Daily Mail
None of Bayley’s family members have shared a personal post on their social media handle as they are still trying to navigate this tragedy.
Makyle had previously shared a photo with his basketball team on his Facebook handle.
Going through his profile, Bayley also seems to be part of the track and field team.
A photo shared by Bayley in 2019 shows his grandmother, Joy Smart, commenting, “My grandson.”
Joy Smart had also shared a picture involving Bayley and his cousins on her social media handle.
The grandmother of six surrounded by her grandkids wrote, “My heartbeats,” on the picture posted on January 2, 2019, on her Facebook handle.
Makyle Bayley Previously Studied For A Year At The University of Mississippi
As part of the Ole Miss Black Student Union (BSU), Makyle had previously traveled to the US as part of the Basketball practice team and as a member of the International Students Board.
He has previously shared that he had the privilege to experience a new environment, adapting to his surroundings academically, mentally, and physically.
Bayley shared that while studying for a year at Ole Miss, he was also able to participate with the NCAA D1 Basketball team and in social work events organized by the BSU.
In 2022, Makyle was selected as the Charity Ambassador for Youth Experience in Sport (YES).

He hosted multiple speaking events and interviews and starred in a short film about youths in sports.
Youth Experience in Sport had previously shared a congratulatory post for Makyle after he was selected to study at the University of Mississippi.
The LinkedIn page of the organization wrote that Makyle had completed two years at the University of Essex and would continue his studies at Ole Miss.
Makyle had previously worked as a Sales Specialist at Halfords.
He was part of the Selling Solutions Expert team within the Bikehut Department and, with his team, pushed towards maintaining high standards at Halfords Fusion Store.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- In 2022, Makyle took to the stage with YES Trustee Hee-Won Cho to launch a partnership with CPP Investments.
- Family and fellow students have paid tribute to Makyle and the other three lives lost in the accident by giving floral tributes at the scene of the incident in Magdalen Street, Colchester.