Tragic Incident in Newry: Family Links Care Worker’s Death to Local Violence
The family of a care worker has drawn connections between her untimely death and a violent episode in Newry, County Down.
A Life Cut Short
Anu Oluwasanya, aged 46, passed away last week, just days after reportedly witnessing a group of young individuals assaulting another person near her residence. Her brother, Gbenga Oluwasanya, recounted to BBC News NI that Anu fled to a neighbor’s house following the incident but suffered an asthma attack upon entering. This medical emergency led to multiple heart attacks and ultimately resulted in her death at the hospital.
Fear from Past Experiences
Gbenga revealed that Anu had previously been attacked twice in the same neighborhood, which heightened her fear during this latest encounter. The Police Service of Northern Ireland has been contacted for further comments regarding the situation.
Family’s Heartbreak
“Words cannot express our current feelings,” Mr. Oluwasanya shared with BBC News NI. He explained that his sister relocated from Nigeria over a year ago to pursue work in healthcare and had just completed a grueling 12-hour shift on the night she witnessed the attack on August 24th.
After seeing the violence unfold while walking home from work, Anu called law enforcement for assistance. “She sought refuge at a neighbor’s house,” he noted sadly. “When she entered, she was gasping for air.”
According to Mr. Oluwasanya, police arrived shortly after and found Anu struggling significantly with her breathing issues.
“She believed she was escaping danger; tragically, it led her into peril instead,” he lamented.
He elaborated on how his sister’s past experiences contributed to her panic during this incident—she had previously endured an assault where someone threw liquid at her while she walked down the street during daylight hours.
“They were familiar faces; that’s why she felt compelled to run for safety,” he stated emphatically.
In another frightening episode earlier this year, Mr. Oluwasanya recounted how gang members followed Anu home and terrorized her by banging on doors—a situation that prompted Anu to report both incidents to local authorities.
Remembering A Vibrant Soul
Anu’s sister Lola Sonubi expressed profound grief over their loss: “Our family is shattered by what happened.” She emphasized that all Anu wanted was to assist someone being attacked when tragedy struck.
Living in England herself, Ms. Sonubi described Anu as “hardworking,” “intelligent,” “kind-hearted,” “full of life,” and undeniably beautiful—a sentiment echoed by many who knew her well.
“This is an immense loss; she’s one of five siblings—only two girls remain now,” Ms. Sonubi added somberly while mentioning that Anu leaves behind a 24-year-old son still residing in Nigeria who is struggling deeply with his mother’s passing: “He is having an incredibly tough time coping; we hope he finds some peace.”
The family initially shared their heartbreaking story with local media outlets like Newry Reporter as they seek justice and awareness surrounding such violent acts within their community.
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