THE AUNT KILLED WITH BOY IN POLICE CHASE HORROR
Tributes to child killed alongside his aunt as pair walked to park
THIS is Rosie Cooper, who was killed with her 10-year-old nephew after a stolen car pursued by police ploughed into them in south-east London. Hair stylist Ms Cooper, 34, and her nephew Makayah McDermott, a child actor, died as they and three other family members walked to a park in Penge. Makayah’s 13-year-old twin sisters and an eight-year-old girl were injured in the crash.
A CHILD actor killed with his aunt when a stolen car pursued by police smashed into them had “rare natural talent” and was destined for stardom, devastated friends of the family said today.
Makayah McDermott, 10, had taken leading roles in productions at his theatre school and last week auditioned for a part in a major new TV series.
His 13-year-old twin sisters, both child models who have appeared in national advertising campaigns, were injured in the crash in Penge, when a suspected joyrider lost control and mounted the pavement at high speed.
Their aunt Rosie Cooper, 34, died when the black Ford Focus flipped on top of the family as they walked to the park in the sunshine at 2pm yesterday. An eight-year-old, believed to be her daughter, also suffered injuries.
The three surviving children were released from hospital last night. Makayah’s parents Omar McDermott, 37, and Danielle Cooper, 36, were today caring for their daughters. A neighbour said: “The scale of tragedy for one family is almost too much to comprehend.” At the door of the family home, Mr McDermott said: “It’s not the right time, I’m sorry it’s just not the right time.”
The Independent Police Complaints Commission has launched an inquiry into the crash in Lennard Road, yards from the McDermotts’ home. About 20 people lifted the car, allowing the twins to crawl free. Their mother ran to the scene shouting: “That’s my baby.”
The three siblings attended the Pop School and Stage Academy in Beckenham. Makayah starred in Wizard of Oz spin-off The Wiz last month, with his two sisters also taking part. Kirsty Dennis, 33, whose daughters are also at the ac ademy, said his performance at Broadway Theatre in Catford was “amazing”. She added: “Bless him, he was so handsome and funny and such a lovely boy. All three are nice kids, well-behaved and happy. They were always chuckling together, looking after the little ones at the school.”
Her husband Tony Dennis added: “All of them had the same lovely smile. All they wanted to do was acting and he was very good. It’s rare you see children so naturally gifted. I’ve no doubt he would have gone on to big things — they are all very, very good actors.”
Neighbours said Rosie Cooper, a hairdresser, has a young daughter in year three at school. Claudette Maragh, headteacher at Alex and ra Junior School, said: “We are extremely saddened by this awful tragedy. Makayah was a fun, bubbly boy and a popular member of our school community.”
The driver, 23, who was filmed running off and hiding in a bush, is in custody after being arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and theft of a vehicle. Two marked Met police cars, using sirens and lights, were involved in the pursuit. Witnesses to the crash should call 0800 096 9070.