A tragic incident occurred in north London on October 25, when a 29-year-old Nigerian sales executive, James Abiwon, died after a tree fell onto his moving car during Storm Boelo. Abiwon was driving along Dollis Road in Mill Hill when the tree crushed his vehicle. His girlfriend, Aali Harvey, was on the phone with him at the time of the incident, discussing plans for his upcoming 30th birthday.
According to Aali Harvey, Abiwon was mid-sentence, discussing a padel tournament he was organizing to celebrate his birthday, when she heard a loud crash. She then heard him asking for help, saying "Help me, I'm bleeding." Emergency responders, including police, firefighters, paramedics, and an air ambulance, attended the scene at around 12:30 p.m. Despite their efforts, Abiwon was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Metropolitan Police are working with the local authority and coroner to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident. Abiwon's friend, Kwame Affum, who had known him since they were 13, described him as someone full of energy and talent. Affum had played padel with Abiwon just two days before the accident and recalled his friend's passion for life.
Abiwon was a technology sales executive who had recently been named Business Development Representative of the Year at his company. He also graduated from the University of Essex with a first-class degree and played semi-professional football with Aldershot. His friends and relatives remember him as a talented and energetic individual who pursued music and mentored many people.
The padel tournament Abiwon had planned will now go ahead in his memory, with proceeds expected to support his family. His cousin, Tyrrell Okolo, described him as a "master of everything," recalling his talents and the many people he mentored. Abiwon's music career had also gained popularity, with around 40,000 views on YouTube.
For Affum, the sudden loss remains difficult to comprehend, particularly because they had spent time together only days earlier. He expressed his grief, saying, "I'm trying hard to get my head around this. I played padel with him just on Friday." The incident has left many in shock, and Abiwon's girlfriend's recollection of their final conversation is a painful reminder of the ordinary plans and conversations that can suddenly become someone's last.
What was supposed to be a celebration of Abiwon's entry into a new decade of life will now become an opportunity for those who knew him to honour his memory. The incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of life and the importance of cherishing moments with loved ones.
Key points
- James Abiwon, a 29-year-old Nigerian sales executive, died after a tree fell on his car in north London during Storm Boelo.
- Abiwon was discussing his 30th birthday plans with his girlfriend when the incident occurred.
- A padel tournament planned by Abiwon will now go ahead in his memory, with proceeds expected to support his family.
