Grace O'Malley-Kumar's family shared a heartbreaking tribute to her after she was killed while walking back to her university halls
Mourners have gathered together to remember the life of Grace O'Malley Kumar, 19, who was killed in the Nottingham attacks earlier this year.
University of Nottingham students Barnaby Webber and Grace Kumar, both 19, were stabbed to death around 4am on Ilkeston Road - just a few minutes from their university halls.
Mourners gather beside the hearse outside Westminster Cathedral following the funeral today as they paid their respects to Grace who was aspiring to become a doctor. (July 21).
Ian Coates, a primary school caretaker in his 60s, was also found dead with knife wounds near Mapperley Park, Nottingham, sometime after 5am.
Grace's family have shared tributes to her after their tragic loss and have said they plan on creating a foundation in her memory. Grace's father said: “Grace tragically lost her life on the 13th of June 2023 in an attack in Nottingham.
“She was simply walking home after a night out with friends after celebrating end-of-year medical school exams.
“Grace was loved endlessly by all and everything she gave to the world in her 19 short years should not be forgotten.
“As a family, we were all so incredibly proud of Grace’s achievements and what a truly lovely person she was. She was resilient and wise beyond her years.
“Grace was so happy in life fulfilling her ambition of studying to become a doctor whilst playing topflight hockey at the University of Nottingham.
“She leaves behind devastated and heartbroken extended family and friends but we all feel compelled that something good must come from the loss of Grace’s life.
“In time an official ‘Grace O’Malley-Kumar Foundation’ will be created and donations will be used to further all that Grace supported and felt she would like to help with.
“To ensure that Grace’s name leaves a legacy and to keep her memory alive we have created this fund.
“Grace was kind, strong-willed, determined, and a beautiful human being and we know from her selfless nature she would want someone or something to benefit from your gift of kindness and love.”
Barnaby Webber's funeral was also held today and among the congregation were many of his friends from Taunton School, Bishop Hull Cricket Club and the University of Nottingham, as well as Miss O’Malley-Kumar’s family.
Both Miss O’Malley-Kumar and Ian Coates, 65, who also died, were included in the service with their photographs on display at the entrance to the church, alongside a hockey stick and ball and Nottingham Forest scarf, to remember their love of their respective sports.
