Marcus Fakana, 19, was sentenced on December 11 last year to a year’s imprisonment after having a relationship with a girl in the UAE.
At the time, Marcus was 18-years-old and began to explore a blossoming romance with the girl while he was on holiday with his family.
The two were together in August and reportedly kept the relationship secret from her family – but Marcus had been unable to return to the UK after he was taken into custody when police in Dubai became aware of what was happening.
After he was released earlier on an Eid pardon back in July, Marcus returned to London – however it has been announced that Marcus has died after a crash on Friday (October 3).
Radha Stirling, the founder and CEO of Detained in Dubai who helped Marcus during the time, said: “We are heartbroken to share that our client and friend, Marcus Fakana, tragically lost his life in a car accident in Tottenham on the 3rd of October 2025.
“Marcus had only been released from prison earlier this year. Despite everything he endured, he was grateful for the kindness of the British public, and he embraced his freedom with renewed faith, joy, and hope for the future.
“His loss is a painful reminder of how precious life is and how unnecessary imprisonment robs people of time they can never regain.”
This paper has seen footage of family mourning Marcus following the news.
It is understood that Marcus was a passenger in a car which crashed into another vehicle during a police chase in Tottenham.
Officers on patrol attempted to apprehend a vehicle of interest in Preotria Road just after 12.10am on Friday.
Following a short pursuit of approximately 60 seconds, police temporarily lost sight of the vehicle.
Shortly after, officers drove onto The Roundway, and found the vehicle was involved in a crash with another vehicle.
The passenger, understood to be Marcus, was found with significant injuries and died shortly after in hospital.
The driver, a man also aged 19, was arrested after the crash on suspicion of failure to stop and dangerous driving.
He remains in police custody.
The Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards and the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) have been informed of the crash.
A spokesperson for Metropolitan Police said: “Police would like to hear from anyone in the area who was a witness, or might have dash cam footage of the incident or from the time leading up to it.
“Please call police on 101 referencing CAD 214/03OCT if you have any information.
“To remain completely anonymous contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
