Fresher Olivia Burt named as Durham student killed outside nightclub
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Olivia had been queuing outside Missoula nightclub in the city when a barrier made of glass and mental reportedly toppled over at around 11.50pm, she received severe head injuries as a result and tragically died at the scene. The 20 year old was a first year student studying Natural Sciences, she had previously attended Bournemouth School for Girls where she was head girl.
Durham University have paid tribute to Olivia in a statement: “Olivia arrived in Durham last autumn to begin reading Natural Sciences. She came to Durham with glowing references from her school where she was regarded in the highest possible terms.
“She had an outstanding academic record and was an exceptional sports woman. She was part of the British Sailing team in the European Championships. Olivia sailed for more than a decade, quickly finding her place in the University team. She became very active both in College life and the wider University.
“Those students close to her have lost a wonderful friend, whom in their shock they grieve for, alongside her family and friends.
“It is hard to come to terms with her loss, and we will miss her greatly.”Students who were queuing outside Missoula nightclub at the time of the incident have described problems of overcrowding and people pushing into each other. Speaking to The Tab, eyewitness Rosie explained how a group of boys joined the queue and began pushing, she says this led to the barrier falling over. It is believed several people also fell over after being pushed and ended up falling on top of one another. “We were in the queue round the back of Missoula – the queue for queue jump – waiting to go in and a large group of boys come to get in the queue and for some reason decide they are going to go in faster if we push." Police are now investigating the incident.
A police spokesman said: "We were alerted to an incident in Walkergate, Durham at 11.53pm last night. A 20-year-old woman had suffered serious injuries in the vicinity of the Missoula night club.
"Ambulance crews assisted by police officers attended to the casualty but sadly she was pronounced dead at the scene. Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this time."