Family of security guard killed in deadly Brixton Academy crush launch legal action against venue owners to 'find out the truth' about what happened

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The family of a security guard who was killed in a crush outside Brixton Academy is planning legal action to 'find out the truth' about what happened. 

Gabrielle Hutchinson, 23, was killed when fans without tickets tried to force their way into a show by Nigerian artist Asake at the venue on December 15, 2022.

Lawyers for the relatives of Ms Hutchinson have sent letters before action to the owner of the Brixton O2 Academy, Academy Music Group (AMG) Limited, as well as security firms County Enforcement Limited and AP (ASP) Security Limited as they claim they have faced a wall of silence.

Christine Hutchinson, Ms Hutchinson's mother, said: 'We will never let this rest. We are determined to get answers to ensure there are learnings from this and that nobody else attending or working in a similar environment has to endure what we have over the past 14 months. 

'We have so many unanswered questions and we hope that by taking this action we can find out the truth and hold those who are responsible to account.

Gabrielle Hutchinson, 23 (pictured) was killed when fans without tickets tried to force their way into a show by Nigerian artist Asake at the venue on December 15 2022 

Brixton Academy in south London. The venue was closed in the wake of the crush, where 33-year-old Rebecca Ikumelo was also killed, but was given permission to reopen late last year (stock image)

'At no point since Gaby's death has anybody from Academy Music met us to discuss what happened or asked our thoughts on safety measures to be introduced to protect the public from this happening again. As a family, we are not reassured that a tragedy like this will not happen again.'

The venue was closed in the wake of the crush, where 33-year-old Rebecca Ikumelo was also killed, but was given permission to reopen late last year. It will start hosting gigs again in April.

About 1,000 people were outside the venue on the night the pair were killed and police found 'large-scale disorder' with crowds eventually pushing the doors open.

When the doors were breached the crowd poured into the lobby towards the auditorium and surged over people who had fallen to the floor.

AMG said it had developed new safety measures at the venue in the wake of the tragedy, including stronger doors, a better queuing system and more secure ticketing.

The family's solicitor Patrick Maguire said: 'Fifteen months on from the incident, the family has been met with a wall of silence from those corporations who they feel have caused and contributed to the death of their beloved Gabrielle.

'We have now initiated a civil case against those in charge of the venue and those who were operating the security arrangements on that fateful evening.

'The family are seeking accountability from those who failed in their duty to protect Gaby and others who were killed and injured as a result of the shambolic and chaotic security procedures in place that night.'

A spokesperson for County Enforcement Limited said: 'It remains a matter of deep regret and sorrow that one of our employees, Gabby Hutchinson, tragically passed in the events that took place on 15 December 2022 at the 02 Brixton Academy. 

'Our thoughts remain with her family and friends and similarly to those of Rebecca Ikumelo.

'At this time the Police investigation into this matter is ongoing and we continue to support and co-operate fully with that process. As such we are unable to comment further.'

In a statement ASP said: 'AP Security (APS) Limited, amongst others, has received a letter of claim from solicitors acting on behalf of the family of Gabrielle Hutchinson. We are fully co-operating with the police investigation into the tragedy. 

'On legal advice it would not be appropriate for us to comment further as this could prejudice those investigations and any civil proceedings. Our thoughts remain with the deceased, their families, and friends.'

MailOnline have also approached Brixton Academy for a comment.