Anthony Joshua released from hospital after fatal car crash | Boxing | Sport
Boxing superstar Anthony Joshua has been released from hospital.The former two-time heavyweight champion had been under “observation” for several days due to minor injuries he sustained in a crash that tragically claimed the lives of two of his close friends. However, last night, the regional governments of Lagos and Ogun states confirmed that 36-year-old Joshua was well enough to continue his recovery at his home in the country.
Joshua was a passenger in a black SUV when it collided with a stationary lorry on a major road near Lagos, resulting in the deaths of his friends Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami. Joshua and his mother paid their respects to them at a funeral home on Wednesday afternoon before their bodies were repatriated to the UK, according to a statement. Published on X, it read: “Anthony Joshua was discharged from hospital late this afternoon though heavy hearted and full of emotions over the loss of his two close friends he was deemed clinical fit to recuperate from home.”
The post also expressed appreciation for the team of doctors and medical staff at the Lagoon Hospital Ikoyi who attended to Joshua and those injured in the accident. It stated: “The quality of care and professionalism is truly commendable.” This news follows the launch of a search by Nigerian police for the driver of the lorry involved in the collision that resulted in Joshua’s injuries and the death of his friends.
While the hunt for the driver is ongoing, officers have successfully located the involved vehicle. The damaged HGV is currently held at Sagamu car pound after being towed there, according to the Daily Mail. The soya bean lorry, registered to a Lagos-based company, shows significant signs of damage, with police tape clearly visible.
Joshua, born in Watford to Nigerian parents, was holidaying in Nigeria following his victory over Jake Paul in Miami, Florida, on December 19. He was involved in the collision but managed to escape with minor injuries, according to the police. The police also disclosed that the lorry was illegally parked prior to the accident.
“He was parked on the side of the highway which is illegal, he had not broken down and he was not with the vehicle when the accident happened,” a Nigerian police officer stated. The search for the lorry’s driver follows the discharge of Joshua’s driver from hospital. There are suggestions that he could face charges for reckless driving.
“Anthony Joshua’s driver has been discharged from the hospital, and he is currently giving his statement,” CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, a spokesperson for the Nigerian Police Force, informed reporters.
