A 29-year-old Nigerian man, James Abiwon, has died after a tree fell on his moving car during Storm Boelo in Mill Hill, north London, United Kingdom.

Abiwon was driving along Dollis Road at about 12:30 p.m. on Sunday when the tree came crashing down amid strong winds, trapping his vehicle beneath it.

According to Metro UK, emergency services, including police officers, firefighters, paramedics and an air ambulance, were deployed to the scene. However, Abiwon was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Metropolitan Police said officers were called to Dollis Road at about 12:40 p.m. following reports that a tree had fallen onto a moving vehicle.

The circumstances surrounding the incident are being investigated in collaboration with the local authority and the coroner.

Family mourns talented Nigerian

Abiwon’s death has left his family, friends and members of his community devastated, with tributes describing him as a talented professional, gifted sportsman and devoted family man.

His cousin, Tyrrell Okolo, described him as “a master of everything”, highlighting his accomplishments across different fields.

Abiwon worked as a technology sales executive and had earned a degree from the University of Essex. He was also a semi-professional footballer with Aldershot and a musician whose work had attracted about 40,000 YouTube viewers.

According to Okolo, the deceased was also a mentor to many people and maintained strong relationships with his family and friends.

His achievements and diverse interests made him a well-regarded figure among those who knew him.

Friend struggles to accept death

One of Abiwon’s close friends, 29-year-old Kwame Affum, said they had played padel together just two days before the fatal incident.

Affum told Metro UK that he was struggling to come to terms with the sudden loss of his friend.

He recalled that a friend had messaged Abiwon shortly before the accident regarding money owed to him for the use of a padel court. However, Abiwon did not respond, prompting concern.

Affum described the deceased as an energetic and talented individual who loved sports, played football well and supported Arsenal Football Club.

He added that Abiwon had graduated with a first-class degree and recently received an award at work.

“He was full of energy and talent,” Affum said, expressing disbelief that his friend had died just weeks before his 30th birthday.

Birthday celebration to honour deceased

Abiwon had been preparing to celebrate his 30th birthday with a padel tournament before the tragic incident.

Following his death, the planned event will reportedly go ahead in his memory, with proceeds intended to support his family.

The decision is expected to provide an opportunity for friends and loved ones to celebrate his life while offering practical assistance to those he left behind.

His death has also prompted an outpouring of grief among people who admired his achievements in sports, music and his professional career.

Witness recounts tragic scene

A witness who later laid flowers at the scene told Metro UK that she heard a helicopter before going outside to investigate.

She said she found a fallen tree blocking the road, with a car trapped beneath it.

According to the witness, Abiwon’s girlfriend and best friend arrived while emergency responders were still at the scene. They were reportedly shaking as they waited, hoping rescuers would bring him out alive.

The witness added that the deceased’s aunties and other relatives arrived later and were inconsolable.

She described Abiwon as someone who was clearly loved by many, adding that the tragedy had deeply affected the local community.

The incident also raised concerns about the potential dangers posed by falling trees during severe weather.

Roadworks may have increased traffic

Reports indicated that traffic on Dollis Road was heavy at the time of the incident, partly because roadworks on a nearby street had diverted more vehicles onto the route.

A neighbour whose home overlooks the scene expressed concern about how narrowly others might have escaped a similar tragedy.

“If it had been 10 minutes later, it could have been me,” the neighbour said.

The circumstances have highlighted the risks posed by falling trees during periods of strong winds, particularly on busy roads.

Police investigate circumstances

The Metropolitan Police confirmed that officers responded to the incident after receiving reports that a tree had fallen onto a moving car.

Investigators are working with the relevant local authority and the coroner to establish the circumstances surrounding Abiwon’s death.

No further details about the investigation were provided in the report.

Storm Boelo causes deaths and injuries

Abiwon’s death occurred as Storm Boelo brought severe weather conditions across parts of the United Kingdom over the weekend.

The storm reportedly produced wind gusts of up to 84 miles per hour in some areas, causing dangerous conditions and other incidents.

A 60-year-old man was also killed by a falling tree in Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland, while other people sustained injuries.

Abiwon’s death adds to the human cost of the storm, which has left families grieving and communities confronting the consequences of extreme weather.

For his family and friends, the tragedy is particularly painful because of his age, achievements and the many plans he had for the future.

The Nigerian man’s upcoming 30th birthday, professional success and involvement in football and music have become poignant reminders of a life cut short unexpectedly. (Blueprint)