Family's life will 'never be the same' after woman killed in car crash

Chinenye Vera Okonkwo was walking on St Vincent Street at around 7.40pm on Thursday when she was struck by a vehicle.

Family’s tribute after Nigerian woman killed in crash on St Vincent Street in Glasgow city centre Police Scotland

The family of a woman killed in a two-car crash in Glasgow city centre has said life will “never be the same without her”.

Chinenye Vera Okonkwo was walking on St Vincent Street at around 7.40pm on Thursday when she was struck by a vehicle.

The 33-year-old from Nigeria was pronounced dead at the scene.

“Chinenye was a wonderful, kind, intelligent young woman with a strong faith in God,” the family said in a statement released by Police Scotland.

Emergency services at the scene of the crash on St Vincent Street.STV News

“She had a passion to succeed and whatever obstacles she faced were overcome.

“She was very family-orientated and always had time for everyone. Our lives will never be the same without her.”

Ms Okonkwo was studying Public Health at Glasgow Caledonian University where she had been enrolled since Junuary 2022.

Principal and vice-chancellor Professor Steve Decent said: “It is with great sadness that we heard of the passing of Chinenye Okonkwo in a tragic road traffic accident.

“We offer our sincere condolences to Chinenye’s family and friends and our thoughts are with them at this very difficult time.

“This is a terrible shock for our community, especially those who knew Chinenye. Our Student Wellbeing Team is available to provide support to those who need it.”

St Vincent Street was closed for around eight hours while collision investigation work was carried out.

A 28-year-old woman was arrested and released pending further enquires.

The fatal crash was the second in a week in Glasgow city centre after 22-year-old Emma Newman, from Moulineaux, Paris, was pronounced dead after being struck by an HGV on the city’s Broomielaw.

Just over 30 minutes after Ms Okonkwo was killed, another woman was left in a critical condition after a serious road crash on the same road.

It took police five days to identify the the 64-year-old woman and notify her family while she remained in hospital.

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