Young expresses condolences following death of care worker in Newry.

Alliance Slieve Croob Councillor Helena Young has expressed her condolences for the death of care worker Anu Okusanya, who passed away in hospital after fleeing the scene of an assault on another person close to her home in Newry.

Helena Young Newry

It’s been reported she fled the scene in fear after having been attacked in the area herself in the past, and as a result suffered an asthma attack and multiple heart attacks.

 

Cllr Young has said: “These reports are incredibly upsetting, and my heart goes out to Anu’s family and loved ones at what must be an unthinkably difficult time.

 

“Anu was making a life here for herself, and was even preparing to welcome her son in a couple of weeks, who was also coming to work and to join his mother and family. She worked in the nursing home that my dad is in, and her dedication to caring for others was evident to everyone who knew her.

 

“The fact alone that she had reported being targeted with abuse herself by young people, on two previous occasions since June, is sickening. My party colleague, Justice Minister Naomi Long, echoed in her own sentiments today the stark importance going forward of tackling the prejudice and misinformation fuelling the terror people from Black and Minority Ethnic backgrounds are often tragically subjected to in our society.

 

“It’s shameful that this lovely, caring woman did not feel safe here. My thoughts are with Anu's family and with her colleagues in Ashgrove Care Home, who are devastated by her loss.”