On Monday, December 29, former world champion and current heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua was involved in a fatal car crash near Lagos, Nigeria that killed two of his friends.
Joshua’s two friends who have now passed, Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele, were long-time members of his team.
Conversely, Joshua suffered minor injuries and is in stable condition in hospital.
Details in the aftermath
The three passengers were in a Lexus SUV that crashed into a stationary truck on a major expressway in Ogun State, the BBC reports.
Joshua was in the backseat of the vehicle.
“It is with the deepest and most profound sadness that we confirm, following a road traffic accident in Lagos Nigeria earlier today, the death of Sina Ghami and Kevin ‘Latif’ Ayodele,” a spokesperson for Joshua said in the aftermath of the incident.
“Both were close friends and integral members of Anthony’s team,” the spokesperson continued.
Joshua, along with four adult men, were present in the rear of the vehicle, Sky Sports reports.
READ MORE: Ashes news: Joe Root, Stuart Broad stress England continuity; MCG pitch rated ‘unsatisfactory’
‘Lost control’ at ‘excessive speed’
The Lexus was present along the highway between Lagos and Sagamu, where it “experienced a tyre burst due to excessive speed” and “lost control”, reports said in the early assessment of the crash.
Condolences roll in
Condolences have rolled in for all involved in the tragic incident.
“Our deepest condolences and prayers are with the families and friends of all those affected – and we ask that their privacy is respected at this incredibly difficult time,” a Matchroom statement read.
Joshua’s long-time promoter Eddie Hearn said in a statement on his social media that it is “With profound sadness it has been confirmed that two close friends and team members Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele have tragically passed away.
“Rest in eternal peace Sina and Latz. My thoughts and deepest prayers are with everyone,” he continued.
Jake Paul, Joshua’s previous opponent who he defeated by TKO on December 19, said in a social media post that “Life is much more important than boxing.
“I am praying for the lost lives, AJ and anyone impacted by today’s unfortunate accident.”
Despite his stable condition, Joshua is set to remain in hospital for observation.
READ NEXT: Netflix takes leap of faith with live-action adaptation of hit game Assassin’s Creed
SportJustSport writers