Former pupil described as ‘pleasant and welcoming’

The headteacher of a Wembley teenager who died following a nightclub stampede where another Neasden woman lost her life has paid tribute to “the bright, young student.”

Laurene-Danielle Jackson, 19, died at a hospital in Leicester on Sunday after she was critically injured during the crush in Lava & Ignite nightclub on October 19.

Geraldine Freear, headteacher at Convent of Jesus and Mary Language College, in Crownhill Road, Harlesden, said Laurene gave her time selflessly as a pupil at the school and was “always pleasant and welcoming.”

Paying tribute to the former pupil, she said: “Laurene joined our school in September 2003. Over five years she proved to be an honest and diligent student. In all that she undertook, Laurene gave her best.

“She always had time to listen and mentor younger pupils. She was a bright, young student with so much to offer in her life.”

Laurene, who was studying at Kingston University, was appointed vice captain of her form while at school and often volunteered to help at open evenings.

Mrs Freear added: “She contributed richly to the school community and as a student at college. On behalf of the governors and staff at our school we extend our prayers and thoughts to Laurene’s family and in particular to her younger sister.”

Meanwhile, more than 600 mourners paid their final respects at the funeral of Nabila Nanfuka, 22, of Yeats Close, Neasden, which took place in Essex last week.

The leisure and tourism student at Northampton University also lost her life in the crush.

An inquest at Kettering Magistrates’ Court into her death heard she died from traumatic crush asphyxia.

Witnesses at the event, called Wickedest Wickedest, described revellers rushing for the exits following an announcement that coaches were leaving to take them home.

A 21-year-old woman who was seriously injured has since been discharged from hospital.

Northampton Borough Council has temporarily suspended Lava & Ignite’s licence, while an investigation is carried out and Luminar, which runs the nightclub, has appointed administrators. A full review of the nightclub’s licence will take place on November 14.

Did you know Laurene-Danielle Jackson or Nabila Nanfuka? To pay tribute email tara.brady@archant.co.uk