The grieving family of a social media influencer who died after being struck by a vehicle allegedly driven by a former X Factor contestant outside a Soho nightclub have remembered her 'kind heart'. Klaudia Zakrzewska, 32, from Essex, was hit by a car near the Inca venue on Argyll Street in central London in the early hours of Sunday, April 19.
Tragic Outcome After Week-Long Fight
The Polish social media personality spent almost a week in hospital receiving treatment but tragically passed away on Saturday. Gabrielle Precious Carrington, 29, who appeared on The X Factor in 2013 as part of the girl group Miss Dynamix, was initially charged with attempted murder. Following Ms Zakrzewska's death, the charge has been amended to murder.
Ms Zakrzewska's devastated family have revealed they endured a 'living hell' during the week, keeping a constant vigil at her hospital bedside. A close relative told The Sun: 'Klaudia touched many hearts and we are all in agony.' They added that her 'kindly heart' had been slowing down in the days after she was struck, and her 'organs failing'.
Outpouring of Sympathy
Many well-wishers have expressed their condolences through comments on Ms Zakrzewska's social media. Fellow London-based influencer Sophia Ray wrote: 'Truly heartbreaking. Praying for your soul, you didn't deserve this. Condolences to your loved ones. RIP.' Khloë Terae, a successful model and influencer from California, wrote: 'Rest in peace.'
Carrington, also known as RIELLEUK, pursued a career as an influencer after her X Factor stint, amassing some 362,000 followers on Instagram. She was arrested after police were called to the scene at 4.30am on Sunday following reports that a black Mercedes car had crashed into pedestrians.
Other Victims and Legal Proceedings
A 58-year-old man also sustained life-changing injuries in the same crash and was taken to hospital. A third woman, aged in her 30s, was treated for minor injuries. The Metropolitan Police have previously stated that the incident is not being treated as terror-related.
Carrington, of Broadfield Road, Manchester, is also accused of dangerous driving, being nearly twice the drink-drive limit, and causing injuries to two other people. She appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court last Tuesday and was remanded into custody. She is next due to appear at the Old Bailey on May 19.
Police Appeal for Restraint
Detective Chief Inspector Alison Foxwell, leading the investigation, said after the news of Klaudia's death: 'We would like to express our deepest sympathies to Klaudia's family and friends in light of this tragic update. Our thoughts are also with everyone impacted by this incident.' She urged the public to refrain from further speculation on social media and not to share graphic footage out of respect for the victims and to avoid prejudicing the ongoing criminal investigation.
Fundraiser for the Family
Polish-born model Ms Zakrzewska, who had more than 250,000 followers on Instagram, had posted videos from the nightclub on Sunday. While she was still in a critical condition last week, her mother posted on a GoFundMe page set up to help cover legal fees and medical costs. She wrote: 'My daughter is currently in a coma and desperately fighting for her life. This is the most devastating time our family has ever faced.' She added that if things took a turn for the worse, additional funds would go towards funeral costs and continuous support for the family. The fundraiser has now received nearly £26,000 in donations.
