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Dad of Grace O’Malley-Kumar delivers tearful tribute to ‘adored’ daughter in Nottingham attacks vigil
The dad of an Essex teenager who was killed in the Nottingham attacks has called on her fellow students to “look after [the] people around you”. Grace O’Malley-Kumar, 19, was one of three victims killed in a horrific rampage on June 13.
Grace, a first-year medical student, was walking down Ilkeston Road in the city with history student Barnaby Webber, also 19, when they were stabbed to death. A third victim, Ian Coates, 65, is believed to have been stabbed by the same man who then stole his van and went on a deadly rampage.
Grace, a talented sportswoman, played international hockey for England at U16 and U18 levels. She was also a well-respected cricketer, playing for Essex County Cricket Club’s youth teams and Woodford Wells.
READ MORE: Essex MP gives tearful tribute to student ‘destined for great future’ killed in Nottingham attacks
The families of both Grace and Barnaby showed a united front as they appeared at a vigil held at the University of Nottingham, where the two students would have been enjoying the final days of summer term.
The dads of the two victims – Dr Sanjoy Kumar and David Webber – both paid tribute to their children as part of the vigil.
Dr Kumar said: “Everyone here I really, really want to thank you for your support, for taking the time to be here. All of you guys, everywhere that I see, a sea of people, such a lovely sign of the university and the bond you have.
“Grace was also like Barney, she loved coming up to Nottingham. In fact, we couldn’t get her down. I said to her last week, ‘come down’, she said ‘well, after she’s had a few more sessions’. I used to call them her crisis meetings.
“The love that we have out here, I just wish we had it everywhere. So, look after each other is the big thing. Look after your friends and look after people around you. It is so important.”
He added: “Grace and her friend they fell together and you just need to be friends with everyone. You need to love everyone and I wish we had more of it.
“But most of all, all of you guys, everyone who’s here who Grace may not have even touched, I really thank you for being here and taking the time.
“I really do. It means so much to Sinead, my wife, and me. She loved being here and she loved all of you. She really did and you should all feel very blessed.
“She was so full of her stories and things that she said about all of you, and you’ve all touched her life. And hence ours.
“You’ll never be forgotten, by us, certainly. We have children who were taken away prematurely from us, that should never happen to any parent. All I can say to all of you guys is that thank you for things you did for our daughter and Barney, and look out for each other. Thank you.”
On Wednesday (June 14), Grace’s family issued a tribute which said: “Grace was an adored daughter and sister; she was a truly wonderful and beautiful young lady.
“Grace was not just a sister to James but his best friend. He is completely heartbroken. As parents, words cannot explain our complete and utter devastation. She will be so dearly missed. We were so incredibly proud of Grace’s achievements and what a truly lovely person she was.
“She was resilient and wise beyond her years. Grace was so happy in life fulfilling her ambition of studying to become a doctor whilst playing top-flight hockey at university. She leaves behind devastated extended family and friends.”
Nottinghamshire Police’s chief constable Kate Meynell told reporters the force was not looking for anyone else in connection with the incidents and no further arrests had been made. The police chief said the motive behind the attack was yet to be determined, but officers were keeping an “open mind” and working with counter-terror police. Nottinghamshire Police said a 31-year-old man was tasered and arrested on suspicion of murder after the trio were stabbed to death.
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