Family pay tribute to 'vibrant and loving' mother, 25, found dead in car in Hackney

A family have paid tribute to their 'vibrant and loving' mother who was found dead inside a car on a housing estate in east London. 

Kennedi Westcarr-Sabaroche, 25, was found on Whiston Road in Hackney on April 6 just before 6.45am, the Metropolitan police said.

Officers forced entry into the vehicle and attempted to resuscitate the mother before an ambulance arrived but she was she was pronounced dead at the scene.

Now, the family of Ms Westcarr-Sabaroche have said 'her passing has left a void that echoes in the hearts of her family and friends'.

A tribute to her on GoFundMe reads: 'As the youngest of four siblings, she was the family’s beacon of optimism, a lover of people, a cheerleader when you need one and her moral compass always pointed in the right direction.

Kennedi Westcarr-Sabaroche, pictured, was found dead on Whiston Road in Hackney on April 6 just before 6.45am

The 25-year-old mother was described by her friends and family as a 'beacon of optimism'

'She was someone who cherished moments, finding joy in dancing, trying new things, and spending time with loved ones.

'Kennedi's upbeat nature and love for TikTok dances and karaoke were contagious, and she approached life with a 'cup half-full' attitude, always finding reasons to be grateful.

'Kennedi embraced motherhood like a duck to water, diving into it with the same enthusiasm she brought to every aspect of her life. She devoted her time to her daughter’s learning and development, and championed the nursery staff who supported that journey.'

Detectives arrested Gogoa Tape, 27, at an address on Whiston Road and he was charged with murder on April 7.

Tape appeared in custody at Thames magistrates court on April 8 and made his first appearance at the Old Bailey by video link from Thameside prison two days later.

A look at when police were called to Whiston Road, pictured, on Saturday April 6

Judge Alexia Durran set a plea hearing on 26 June and a provisional two-week trial from 3 February 2025.

Westcarr-Sabaroche’s family have been informed of her death and a postmortem was carried out on 8 April, the Met said.

Here is a link to the GoFundMe page which was set up to honour the memory of Kennedi Westcarr-Sabaroche and help her family financially since her passing.

Very good!（241）