Tributes paid to child actor killed in police car chase: 'He was bright star’
A CHILD actor who died when he was hit by a car being chased by police was hailed today as a “bright young star”.
Makayah McDermott’s agent paid tribute to the talented 10-year-old, saying he was on course for a glittering career in showbusiness.
“Makayah was an extremely talented actor and a joy to be around,” Sam Brown said.
“He had recently auditioned for a role in a new TV series and had been seen for a number of TV commercials.
“Makayah was a bright young star who had a strong passion and talent for acting.”
The boy and his aunt Rozanne Cooper, 34, were killed when a Ford Focus driven by a suspected joyrider ploughed into them as they walked to a park.
Ms Cooper’s eight-year-old daughter Eva and Makayah’s 13-year-old twin sisters Yalah and Niyah were left with injuries described by police as “not life threatening”.
Two die after being hit by car being chased by police
The three girls were also on the books of Brown and Mills Entertainment along with Makayah.
Makayah was an extremely talented actor and a joy to be around
Mr Brown said: “We cannot express enough our sadness.”
Hairdresser Ms Cooper was described today as “one of the most beautiful, caring, loving people” by her friend Samantha Dobson.
Two police cars were chasing the black Ford Focus when the driver lost control.
Detectives were last night still questioning a 23-year-old man detained after the crash in Penge, south London.
He was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and theft of a motor vehicle.
Makayah’s distraught parents Omar McDermott, 37, and Danielle Cooper, 36, were today comforting their injured daughters and niece.
Yalah, Niyah and Makayah all went to the Pop School and Stage Academy in Beckenham, Kent.
Last month Makayah starred in The Wiz, a spin-off from The Wizard of Oz, at the Broadway Theatre, Catford, south London, along with his sisters.
Dozens of bouquets were left at the crash scene today.
The Independent Police Complaints Commission is investigating the tragedy.