The heartbroken family of an influencer who died after allegedly being run over by a former X Factor finalist outside a Soho nightclub have paid tribute, saying she ‘touched many hearts’.
Klaudia Zakrzewska, 32, from Essex, was struck by a car near the Inca venue, on Argyll Street in central London, in the early hours of Sunday, April 19.
The Polish social media personality spent almost a week in hospital undergoing treatment, but tragically passed away on Saturday.
Gabrielle Precious Carrington, 29, who was on The X Factor in 2013 as a member of girl group Miss Dynamix, appeared in court charged with attempted murder, and the charge has now been amended to murder.
Ms Zakrzewska’s grieving family have now revealed they spent the week in ‘living hell’, keeping 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’.
Many well-wishers also expressed their sympathy through comments on Ms Zakrzewska’s social media.
Klaudia Zakrzewska, 32, died a week after allegedly being run over by a car driven by a former X Factor finalist
Ms Zakrzewska’s death has sparked an outpouring of grief on social media, and her heartbroken family has paid tribute
A 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, followed up her X Factor stint with a career as an influencer in recent years, with some 362,000 followers on Instagram.
She was arrested after police were called to the scene at 4.30am on Sunday, following reports a black Mercedes car had crashed into pedestrians.
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 has previously said 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 to next appear at the Old Bailey on May 19.
Gabrielle Precious Carrington, 29, was arrested and charged after the incident outside a Soho nightclub
Carrington appeared in court to face charges including attempted murder, which has now been amended to murder, and made a heart sign from the dock
Detective Chief Inspector Alison Foxwell, who is leading the investigation, said after the news that Klaudia had died: ‘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.
‘We recognise that this case has generated significant interest and discussion on social media; however, we would urge the public to refrain from further speculation.
‘We also ask that people do not share graphic footage out of respect for Klaudia’s loved ones and for those who have been injured.
‘The circulation of such material could also undermine our ongoing criminal investigation and potentially prejudice future court proceedings.’
Polish-born model Ms Zakrzewska, who has more than 250,000 followers on Instagram, had posted videos from the nightclub on Sunday.
When Ms Zakrzewska still remained alive 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.
‘Anyone who knew my gorgeous daughter knows how truly wonderful she is.
‘She has touched so many people with her pure heart and kindness.’
Her mother added: ‘If at any time things take a turn for the worst, additional funds will go towards funeral costs and continuous support for the family.’
The fundraiser has now seen nearly £26,000 donated to support Ms Zakrzewska’s grieving family.
