British boxing icon Anthony Joshua has been involved in a serious road traffic incident in Ogun State, Nigeria, which tragically resulted in the deaths of two members of his entourage. The heavyweight champion himself sustained only minor injuries during the collision, which occurred on Monday morning according to initial reports.
The devastating event unfolded around 11 am on a major route, the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, as Joshua's convoy was travelling from Lagos to Sagamu. Joshua was reportedly a passenger in a Lexus SUV when the vehicle experienced a tyre blowout, a factor investigators are currently examining as a potential cause for the subsequent loss of control. The SUV subsequently collided with a stationary truck, leading to a catastrophic impact.
Tragically, the severity of the collision proved fatal for two individuals travelling with Joshua: Sina Ghami, a valued member of his training staff, and Latif "Latz" Ayodele, identified as another team member. Both were unfortunately pronounced deceased at the scene, and their remains were subsequently transported to the Livewell hospital morgue in Sagamu. The driver of Joshua's vehicle also sustained injuries and, along with Joshua, was extricated from the wreckage.
Joshua, a distinguished two-time unified world heavyweight champion, received prompt medical attention and was transported to a local medical facility for assessment and treatment. While his injuries are described as minor, he is currently under observation. The news has understandably sent shockwaves through the global sporting community, with his promoter, Eddie Hearn, expressing profound sorrow. "Rest in eternal peace Sina and Latz," Hearn stated, "My thoughts and deepest prayers are with everyone."
The gravity of the situation has even prompted a personal response from the highest levels of Nigerian governance. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu personally contacted Joshua to convey his condolences. "I have spoken with AJ to personally convey my condolences over the passing of his two close associates in the recent accident," President Tinubu communicated. "I wished him a full and speedy recovery and prayed with him."
Authorities in Ogun State, including Police Commander Babatunde Akinbiyi of TRACE and Ogun State Police Commissioner Lanre Ogunlowo, have initiated a comprehensive investigation into the precise circumstances surrounding the accident. Early indications from the police suggest that excessive speed may have contributed to the tyre burst, precipitating the tragic chain of events. Officers are meticulously gathering evidence to ascertain the full picture of what transpired.
The tragic loss of Ghami and Ayodele unfortunately casts a shadow over Joshua's visit to his ancestral homeland, a trip ostensibly intended for personal and potentially philanthropic engagements. This incident starkly underscores the inherent risks associated with road travel, even for individuals accustomed to high-stakes environments. The focus now regrettably shifts to supporting the bereaved families and ensuring a thorough and transparent investigation into the crash. Privacy has been respectfully requested for the families of the deceased during this immensely difficult period.