A footballer who died after a tree crushed his car during Storm Boelo has been named and pictured for the first time. Tributes have been paid to “mentor to many” James Abiwon who was killed as he drove along a road in north London on Sunday afternoon.
The 29-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene on Dollis Road in Mill Hill. Mr Abiwon was reportedly a tech sales executive and talented sportsman who was preparing to celebrate his 30th birthday with a padel tournament.
Mr Abiwon’s cousin Tyrrell Okolo described him as “a master of everything”. Speaking to Metro, Mr Okolo said he was a “massive family man” who was also excelling in his career.
Mr Okolo 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.”
The Metropolitan Police said it was called to Dollis Road at around 12.40pm on Sunday following reports that 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 all dispatched following the incident. Kwame Affum said he was “heartbroken” by the death of his friend Mr Abiwon.
Mr Affum, who knew the victim since the age of 13, said he had only seen him a couple of days earlier and that “alarm bells started ringing” after he did not respond to a message. Paying tribute to his friend, the 29-year-old 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.”
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.