Anthony Joshua’s family issues health update after horror crash which killed pals

Anthony Joshua remains in hospital in Nigeria as he continues his recovery following a horror car crash that tragically claimed the lives of two of his close friends, now family members have spoke out

Grief-stricken Anthony Joshua is “responding to treatment” in hospital after the horror car crash that killed two of his best friends, his family have said.

The boxing hero, 36, is being comforted in hospital by his mum Yeta Odusanya, who has been at his bedside after he miraculously survived the smash that killed pals Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele on Monday.

His condition is described as “stable” and he is expected to remain at the private Duchess International Hospital in Lagos, Nigeria, until the New Year. AJ reportedly said after the crash: “I feel pain all over my body”.

Wider family members have so far not been allowed to visit the former world champion, but his uncle David Joshua said: “We have not been allowed to see him, but from information given by authorities, he is responding to treatment.”

Another of the boxer’s uncles, Adedamola Joshua, revealed Olympic gold medalist AJ had been in Nigeria for less than six hours when the tragedy took place.

The trio were on their way to the Nigerian city of Sagamu, in the south-west of the country, to spend the festive period with Joshua’s family.

Adedamola said: “The incident shook our family deeply. Though our son, Anthony, is alive, two of his friends, who came to celebrate with us, lost their lives.

“This is a serious tragedy, not only for our family, but for Ogun State, Nigeria, and the world at large. We are deeply saddened that two people very close to Anthony did not survive. Our hearts are with their families.”

Adedamola, who expressed gratitude to God for sparing the life of their son and the driver, also urged authorities to allow limited family access to see Joshua, noting that the family remains eager but respectful of security and medical protocols.

The boxer’s physical injuries are less serious than first feared after Monday’s horror crash, but friends say he could struggle to overcome the psychological trauma after losing two of his closest friends and fitness trainers.

Lindsey Jacobs was among dozens of mourners who left flowers and written tributes to Sina at a gym he owned in Colindale, North West London. AJ had been seen there with him on Saturday, just hours before they flew to Nigeria.

Caterer Lindsey, whose daughter counts the trio as friends, said: “How AJ is going to cope without them I don’t know. I don’t think he can go on without his two best mates. They were best friends. Like family. The three of them were inseparable.”

“They went everywhere together. He relied on them for everything. I don’t think he’s going to cope with this. It’s like both his arms have been cut off.”

The star said he had searing pain in his knees and was seen in social media footage crying out in agony as he was taken from the wreckage of the Lexus 4×4, but tests revealed no fractures.

He will remain in hospital while medics keep an eye on him and carry out further tests over the next few days.

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