TikTok star Klaudia Zakrzewska has died after being hit by a car in central London in the early hours of the morning on Sunday, 19 April.
The 32-year-old social media star, known for sharing outfit inspiration and glamorous holiday snaps with her followers on the short-form video app, as well as Instagram, was taken to the hospital after the collision, but was later pronounced dead on Saturday, 25 April.
Originally from Essex, Zakrzewska was involved in the car incident on Argyll Street in Soho, just outside a nightclub. Other pedestrians were also hit by the vehicle, with a 58-year-old man suffering life-changing injuries and another woman receiving a minor wrist injury.
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Gabrielle Carrington, a 29-year-old former X Factor contestant from Manchester, who goes by the handle @rielleuk, was initially charged with attempted murder, grievous bodily harm with intent, actual bodily harm, dangerous driving and drink driving, but, following Zakrzewska's death, the Met Police said the charge would be amended to murder.
Carrington appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, 21 April and was remanded in custody. She will next appear at the Old Bailey on Tuesday, 19 May.
Confirming the news last weekend, Detective Chief Inspector Alison Foxwell said: “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.”
A GoFundMe page has also been set up in Zakrzewska's name and has so far raised £27,490 and received 684 donations.
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In the fundraiser's description, Klaudia's mother said her daughter had a “pure heart” and that she was a “beautiful angel.”
“As we navigate this unimaginable loss, I am committed to giving my beautiful angel the farewell she deserves, a service filled with love, dignity, and the grace that reflects who she was. The funds raised will go toward her funeral arrangements, ensuring she is laid to rest in the most meaningful and special way possible,” she wrote.
"In addition, I am determined to seek justice for my daughter. Part of the donations will help cover legal fees as I pursue the best possible representation to fight for her and her memory.
Please continue to keep our family in your thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time. Thank you again for standing beside us, for lifting us up, and for helping honor [sic] my daughter’s life."
Following the incident, various claims and footage have circulated online, but Foxwell urged the public not to speculate at this time. She said: "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."
