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A devoted football coach and his family were killed in a car crash as they drove home from a Birmingham football tournament together.
Abubacarr Camarra, 36, his wife Isa Jaiteh, 30, and their 11-month old baby daughter Aisha were all killed when their red Hyundai veered off the A38 in Derby on their way home to Leeds.
An 18-year-old, thought to be a relative, was also killed on Saturday night.
Mr Camarra, known as Abu, was a leading member of the Gambian community in Leeds. He was a popular football coach striving to keep local children from turning to knife crime or drugs, friends said.
Karl Jabang told Metro: ‘Abu was a devoted Muslim and committed community servant who inspired many young Gambian men to engage in community development, promoting unity, compassion, and positive change.
‘He was also a passionate youth football coach, mentoring children aged 7 to 9 and using sport to teach discipline, respect, teamwork, and strong moral values.
‘Most of all Abu was a loving husband, father, brother, and friend, known for his kindness, humility, leadership, and selflessness.
‘His loss, along with his family, has left a deep void in the community, though his legacy of faith, service, and youth empowerment will continue to inspire others.’
He added: ‘We are grateful the driver survived the accident and pray for his full recovery, relief from pain, and strength during this difficult time.’
Abu had two other children they left behind who have been placed into the care of their grandparents.
Another friend, who didn’t want to be named, told Metro: ‘We’re shocked and heartbroken.
‘He was our community champion. He was the core of our community. Extremely selfless, extremely dedicated, and you know, he was quite concerned about the knife crime and getting the youths off the street.
‘And to him, the best way he could do that was football, and he used all his weekends and days off, and dedicated them to getting these young boys off the streets onto the pitch.’
‘He will be missed, and he’s left young children behind. And I do hope the community looks after them, just like he looked after the community.’
She added: ‘His wife was an incredible woman too, so bubbly.’
A police spokesman said: ‘We were called out to reports that a red Hyundai car had left the carriageway and crashed into trees on the A38, close to the Toyota Island, at about 11pm on Saturday (25 July).
‘The driver, a 33-year-old man, was taken to hospital to be treated for serious injuries where he remains today.
‘He has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and has been bailed.
‘All five people involved are from Leeds in West Yorkshire.’
Bengali (Bangladesh) · 
English (United States) ·