Anthony Joshua Survives Nigeria Crash as North London Gym Owner Dies

Key Points

• Sina Ghami, 36-year-old co-founder and owner of Evolve gyms in North London (Colindale and Ruislip), died in a car crash in Nigeria on Monday, December 29, 2025.
• Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele, also 36 and a close friend of boxer Anthony Joshua, died in the same crash.
• Anthony Joshua survived the crash with minor injuries, was rushed to hospital in Lagos, and remains in stable condition for observation.
• The crash involved a Lexus SUV colliding with the back of a stationary lorry on the notoriously dangerous Lagos-Ibadan highway.
• Floral tributes and messages outside Evolve gym in Colindale describe Sina Ghami as “one of the best humans ever made”.
• A notice on the gym door announced temporary closure on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, to mourn Sina Ghami, with thanks to the community and promises of reopening updates.
• Joshua’s spokesperson confirmed the deaths, described the victims as close friends and integral team members, and requested privacy for the families.
• Joshua sustained injuries, received hospital checks and treatment, and is stable but under observation; no further details released.
• Friends gathered outside the Colindale gym to pay tributes following the tragedy.

Friends and the local community in North London have laid floral tributes outside the Evolve gym in Colindale following the tragic deaths of its owner Sina Ghami and fellow friend of boxer Anthony Joshua, Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele, in a car crash in Nigeria that Joshua survived with minor injuries.

The incident occurred on Monday, December 29, 2025, when the Lexus SUV carrying the group crashed into a stationary lorry on the Lagos-Ibadan highway, a route infamous for its high accident rate. Joshua, the former heavyweight boxing champion, was pulled from the wreckage and hospitalised in stable condition.

Photos circulating from the scene at Evolve gym in Colindale capture the outpouring of grief, with heartfelt messages and flowers placed outside the facility. The gym, which also has a branch in Ruislip, announced a temporary closure to mourn Ghami’s loss.

A spokesperson for Anthony Joshua provided the first official confirmation of the fatalities, underscoring the profound impact on Joshua’s circle.

Who Were Sina Ghami and Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele?

Sina Ghami, aged 36, served as co-founder and owner of Evolve gyms, with locations in North London’s Colindale and Ruislip. He was a prominent figure in the local fitness community, known for fostering a supportive environment.

Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele, also 36, was another close associate of Joshua, often described as part of the boxer’s inner team. Both men perished in the crash alongside Joshua, who escaped with injuries.

As reported by an unnamed journalist at MyLondon, friends gathered outside the Colindale gym to pay tribute to Ghami, highlighting his recent death in the same incident that hospitalised Joshua.

What Happened in the Nigeria Car Crash?

The crash took place on the Lagos-Ibadan highway, a stretch repeatedly cited for its dangers due to heavy traffic, poor road conditions, and frequent collisions.

The group travelled in a Lexus SUV that slammed into the rear of a stationary lorry. Joshua was extracted from the wreckage with minor injuries and rushed to a Lagos hospital.

As per the MyLondon coverage, a spokesperson for Joshua stated:

“It is with the deepest and most profound sadness that we confirm, following a road traffic accident in Lagos, Nigeria earlier today, the death of Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele. Both were close friends and integral members of Anthony’s team.”

The spokesperson continued, emphasising privacy:

“We respectfully ask that space and privacy be given to the families at this time while they process this truly shocking and devastating news.”

What Injuries Did Anthony Joshua Sustain?

Anthony Joshua suffered injuries in the collision but was described as stable following medical checks.

The spokesperson elaborated:

“Anthony sustained injuries in the accident and was taken to hospital for checks and treatment, he is in a stable condition and will remain there for observation. No further information will be made available at this time.”

This account aligns with details from MyLondon’s report, which noted Joshua was “rushed to hospital” after being pulled from the wreckage.

What Tributes Have Been Left at Evolve Gym?

Heartfelt tributes have appeared outside Evolve gym in Colindale, North London. Floral arrangements describe Sina Ghami as “one of the best humans ever made”.

A piece of paper taped to the door reads:

“With heavy hearts we announce the temporary closure of Evolve gym on Tue 30th December as we mourn the loss of our beloved owner: Sina Ghami. ‘Thank you for being such a supportive community during this difficult time. We will update you on plans to re-open. Team Evolve.'”

MyLondon’s on-the-ground reporting captured these photos and messages, showing the community’s response to the tragedy.

The Ruislip branch was also referenced, though tributes focused on Colindale, Ghami’s prominent site.

Why Was Evolve Gym Temporarily Closed?

Evolve gym in Colindale shut its doors temporarily on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, to allow staff and the community to grieve Sina Ghami’s passing.

The notice on the door, as documented by MyLondon, expressed gratitude:

“Thank you for being such a supportive community during this difficult time. We will update you on plans to re-open.”

This closure underscores the deep ties between Ghami, the gym, and its members, many of whom knew his connections to Joshua.

How Has Anthony Joshua’s Team Responded?

Joshua’s team issued a measured statement prioritising family privacy amid the shock.

Full attribution from MyLondon’s spokesperson quote:

“It is with the deepest and most profound sadness that we confirm, following a road traffic accident in Lagos, Nigeria earlier today, the death of Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele. Both were close friends and integral members of Anthony’s team. We respectfully ask that space and privacy be given to the families at this time while they process this truly shocking and devastating news. Anthony sustained injuries in the accident and was taken to hospital for checks and treatment, he is in a stable condition and will remain there for observation. No further information will be made available at this time.”

No additional updates have emerged from the team, respecting their request for space.

What Is Known About the Lagos-Ibadan Highway Crash?

The Lagos-Ibadan highway has earned a grim reputation for accidents, with multiple fatal incidents linked to speeding, overloaded vehicles, and inadequate infrastructure.

In this case, the Lexus SUV’s collision with a stationary lorry mirrors patterns seen in prior crashes on the route. Nigerian authorities have not yet released an official investigation report, but the highway’s dangers were implicit in initial coverage.

MyLondon linked the event to broader accident contexts via their reporting.

How Has the North London Community Reacted?

Locals and gym-goers in Colindale rallied with tributes, gathering outside Evolve to honour Ghami and Ayodele.

Photos show flowers, notes, and messages reflecting on Ghami’s character, as covered extensively by MyLondon journalists.

The supportive community note from Team Evolve highlights the gym’s role as a hub in North London boroughs like Barnet, where Colindale sits.

What Are the Victims’ Connections to Anthony Joshua?

Sina Ghami and Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele were “close friends and integral members of Anthony’s team”, per the spokesperson.

Ghami’s Evolve gyms likely served as training spots or social links for Joshua, a North London figure with roots in nearby Watford. Ayodele’s nickname ‘Latz’ appeared consistently in reports.

This tragedy strikes at Joshua’s personal circle, following his high-profile boxing career.

When Will Evolve Gym Reopen?

Team Evolve promised updates on reopening plans via the door notice: “We will update you on plans to re-open.”

No specific date has been announced, with the closure marking December 30, 2025, as a day of mourning.

MyLondon’s photos preserve the moment, aiding community awareness.

Broader Context of the Tragedy

This incident unfolds against Joshua’s post-boxing endeavours, including mentorship and business ventures. The loss of two 36-year-old friends amplifies the heartbreak.

Nigerian media have begun covering the crash, though UK outlets like MyLondon lead with local tributes. No conflicting reports have surfaced, maintaining consistency across sources.

The story resonates in North London, blending local gym culture with international tragedy.