Tragic Incident in London: Social Media Influencer Dies After Being Hit by Car
A social media influencer has died six days after being hit by a car outside a nightclub in central London. Klaudia Zakrzewska, 32, from Essex, was injured on April 19 at around 4:30 am on Argyll Street in Soho and was pronounced dead on Saturday.
The incident occurred near the Inca nightclub, where Zakrzewska was struck by a vehicle driven by Gabrielle Carrington, a former X Factor finalist. Carrington, 29, now known as RIELLEUK with over 365,000 followers on Instagram, appeared in court on Tuesday facing charges of attempted murder. Following Zakrzewska’s death, the charge has been upgraded to murder.
Carrington is also accused of dangerous driving, driving with nearly twice the drink-drive limit, and causing injuries to two other individuals—a third woman and a security guard—alongside a 58-year-old man who suffered life-changing injuries.
During the court hearing, Carrington, who resides in Manchester, made a heart sign with her hands toward friends and family in the public gallery. She did not enter any pleas during the hearing and is scheduled to appear at the Old Bailey on May 19.
Zakrzewska’s family and friends attended the court proceedings, showing their support during this difficult time. Nearly £18,000 had been raised through a GoFundMe campaign set up by her mother, Kinga, to cover treatment costs and legal fees. The campaign stated that if the situation worsened, additional funds would be used for funeral expenses and ongoing family support.
Kinga shared emotional messages on the page, expressing her deep love for her daughter and her determination to fight for her. She described Zakrzewska as a kind and loving individual whose presence touched many lives.
Footage circulating online shows a woman entering a black car before it surged forward, striking Zakrzewska, who was then run over by the vehicle. The incident has sparked widespread concern and discussion on social media.
Detective Chief Inspector Alison Foxwell, leading the investigation, expressed deep condolences to Zakrzewska’s family and friends. She urged the public to avoid further speculation and refrain from sharing graphic footage out of respect for those affected.
Foxwell emphasized that sharing such material could interfere with the criminal investigation and potentially impact future court proceedings. She encouraged people to remain respectful and supportive during this challenging time.
The case has drawn significant attention, highlighting the tragic consequences of reckless behavior. As the legal process continues, the community remains united in mourning the loss of a vibrant and compassionate individual.
