The BBC reported that Makyle Bayley, 22, Eva Darold-Tchikaya, 21, Anthony Hibbert, 24 and Daljang Wol, 22 all died at the scene of an incident in the early hours of Saturday morning.
Hibbert and Wol were 'outstanding members' of the Essex Rebels men's NBL basketball team, with Bayley described as a 'talented basketball player' and a member of the British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) team.
Darold-Tchikaya had multiple roles in the Essex Blades Dance Club and was active in other clubs and societies.
"We are heartbroken by the loss of Makyle Bayley, Eva Darold-Tchikaya, Anthony Hibbert and Daljang Wol.
"No words can fully express the incredible sadness everyone in the Rebels family is feeling."
"It is with deep sadness that I must share the devastating news that four of our students – Makyle Bayley, Anthony Hibbert, Eva Darold-Tchikaya, and Daljang Wol – tragically lost their lives this weekend.
"These were young lives filled with hope, promise, talent, and dreams for the future. They all played an active role in our community through clubs and societies and were well-known around the University. Anthony and Daljang were outstanding members of our Essex Rebels men’s basketball 1st team, Makyle was a talented basketball player who was a member of our BUCS basketball team and Eva undertook several roles in our Essex Blades Dance Club and was active in many other clubs and societies.
"Their loss will be felt by their families and closest friends and by all our university community. In classrooms, in halls, in shared moments of laughter and learning – they were part of us, and their absence will be felt profoundly.
"At a time like this, words can never describe our sadness and emotion. But it is more important than ever that we come together, support one another, and honour their memory. In the coming days, we will share details of a time and place for our university community to gather in remembrance, to reflect on their lives, and to stand alongside those who loved them.
"This news will affect each of us in different ways and if you need help or support, details of where you can find this are provided below.
"In the coming days and weeks, we will find ways to honour Makyle, Anthony, Eva, and Daljang and ensure their light continues to shine in our university community.
"For now, we hold their families, their friends, and each other in our hearts."
The NBL Division One game between Essex Rebels and Bradford Dragons and the NBL Division Two South contest between Essex Rebels II and Richmond Knights were both postponed this weekend.
Everyone at Basketball England and across the National Basketball League (NBL) offers their sympathy and condolences to all at Essex Rebels and the University of Essex, and the families and friends of those involved.
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