This morning, King’s College London (KCL) students and staff came together to remember Aalia Mahomed alongside her family and friends, one week after her tragic death in a van collision. The vigil, led by Revd Dr Ellen Clark-King, Dean of KCL, was organised jointly by the University and KCLSU.
Members of the King’s community gathered on the Quad at 11 am to pray and honour the loss of a fellow student. Aalia’s relatives wore a dark green shirt that read, “Be more Aalia”.
Professor Shitij Kapur praised Aalia’s intelligence and her choice to jointly study Physics and Philosophy, which he believes to truly reflect the mission of the College and her belonging to this community which she brought together on this day.
He added that Aalia faithfully embraced KCL’s motto, ‘Sancte et Sapiente’, meaning with holiness and wisdom. Following the vice-chancellor’s address, Professor Sir Bashir Al-Hashimi delivered an Islamic prayer and sermon, remarking that Aalia was born and killed during Ramadan.
Zain Mahomed, Aalia’s younger brother, then delivered a powerful address. His personable and often funny remarks about his sister had a profound impact on the audience, with many students and staff visibly moved by Zain’s words.
One student remarked, “We all felt like we knew Aalia better after his speech.”
Three of Aalia’s classmates then shared fond and deeply relatable memories of Aalia with the assembly. One particularly cherished memories of when, sat next to each other, they would text each other during lectures.
KCLSU Vice-President Activities and Development Virajit Singh reflected on Aalia’s legacy, remembering the everyday acts of kindness that characterised her personality with a quote from Archbishop Desmond Tutu:
“Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.”
The assembly was then invited to gather on Strand where Imam Abdul Mumin Choudhury, KCL’s Muslim Chaplain, recited verses of the Quran and led the assembly in prayers.
He concluded, “Surely to Allah we belong and to Him we will return.”
Following Imam Choudhury’s statement, the assembly observed a minute of silence at 11:41, exactly one week after her death.
Aalia’s niece and aunt then offered emotional reflections on the time spent together at their house, her contagious laughter and loveable character. This was followed by speeches from childhood friends of Aalia who celebrated her as a role model guiding all who knew her with her smile.
One particularly remembered having done anything to become Aalia’s friend, “like a puppy constantly following her around”.
The family and close friends were then invited to go into the Great Hall for quiet reflections where they were warmly received by senior staff members of KCL and KCLSU as well as representatives of the Met Police. The Rolling Tones, a student a cappella group also gave a musical performance of “Pitch Perfect”, a favourite of Aalia, for her close relatives.
Meanwhile, students were invited to the corner of St Mary le Strand where flowers have been laid throughout the week alongside photographs of Aalia. Students could write messages to be tied to the branches of a cherry sapling planted in her memory.
The Revd Dr Ellen Clark-King, Dean of King’s College London, who led today’s vigil, told Roar:
“The vigil held on campus today allowed our university to come together with Aalia’s friends and family to celebrate her bright life, support one another and mourn her tragic death. The outpouring of love we heard during the vigil, and the many tributes and flowers that have been left on the Strand by those touched by her life, speak to what a truly special person Aalia was. We will continue to take strength from this and to support one another as our community comes to terms with the trauma of the incident and what has been lost.”
Roar would like to express its condolences to Aalia’s family, friends and everyone affected by her passing.
