The mother of a social media influencer who was killed after being run over outside a Mayfair nightclub has said she is “determined to get justice” for her daughter.
Kinga, the mother of Klaudia Zakrzewska, posted an emotional update on the JustGiving page set up to raise funds for her daughter’s care, confirming that the 30-year-old, known online as Klaudiaglam, had died in hospital on Saturday after being placed in a coma. “My precious daughter has gained her wings and is now at peace among the angels,” she wrote. “She brought so much love, joy, and light into our lives, and that light will never fade.”
Kinga said the money raised – which had exceeded £26,000 – would now go towards her daughter’s funeral so she could be “laid to rest in the most meaningful and special way possible”. She added: “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.”
The incident outside the Inca nightclub
Klaudia Zakrzewska, a Polish-born influencer living in Essex who built a following of hundreds of thousands on TikTok and Instagram with content covering beauty, fashion, lifestyle and nightlife, was struck by a vehicle outside the Inca nightclub in Argyll Street, Soho, at around 4.30am on Sunday, April 19. She is believed to have become involved in an argument with the driver before the car mounted the pavement, hitting three people. Witnesses described a “melee” with shouting, and CCTV footage reportedly shows the driver re-entering the vehicle after the altercation and then driving onto the pavement, dragging Zakrzewska underneath.
Two other people were also hit. A 58-year-old security guard, Anoosh Chaichy, suffered life-changing injuries. Chaichy, who immigrated from Iran and works for Citidel Securities, was reportedly trying to move his e-scooter when he was struck. He has since shared updates from his hospital bed, indicating he remains in significant pain and faces a six-month recovery. A third woman, identified as Latisha Armstrong in her 30s, sustained minor injuries including a fractured wrist.
The suspect and her background
The driver has been identified as Gabrielle Carrington, 29, of Broadfield Road, Manchester. Carrington, who also goes by the name Rielle Carrington and uses the social media handle RIELLEUK, is a former X Factor finalist. She was a member of the three-piece girl group Miss Dynamix during the 2013 live finals and has since built a career as an influencer and hairstylist, amassing more than 365,000 followers on Instagram with content centred on luxury lifestyle, travel, fashion and nightlife.
Carrington was initially charged with attempted murder, grievous bodily harm with intent, actual bodily harm, dangerous driving and drink driving. Following Zakrzewska’s death, the Metropolitan Police confirmed on Saturday that the attempted murder charge had been upgraded to murder. She also faces charges of dangerous driving, causing injuries to two other people, and being nearly twice the legal drink-drive limit. A breath test recorded 61 microgrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath; the legal limit is 35.
Carrington appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on April 21 and was remanded in custody. During the hearing she did not enter any pleas and was seen making a heart sign towards the court sketch artist, as well as standing with her hands on her hips. She is next scheduled to appear at the Old Bailey on May 19.
Police appeal for calm
Detective Chief Inspector Alison Foxwell, who is leading the investigation, expressed the force’s “deepest sympathies to Klaudia’s family and friends in light of this tragic update”. She also said: “Our thoughts are also with everyone impacted by this incident.”
Acknowledging the “significant interest and discussion on social media” the case has generated, she urged the public to “refrain from further speculation”. She added: “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.”
