In South Ruislip, located in north-west London, the local community is grappling with the tragic loss of Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele, both cherished friends.

The duo was involved in a tragic vehicle accident alongside heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua and another passenger when their car collided with a truck on a prominent road near Lagos, Nigeria, on December 29.

Ghami and Ayodele shared a deep friendship with Joshua since childhood and were integral members of his support team. Ayodele served as Joshua’s personal trainer, while Ghami played the role of his rehabilitation coach.

Walid Bouzaghar, who was guided by Ayodele, expressed, “Sina, Latif, A.J. and his team exemplified humility.”

The west London resident noted that even as part of Joshua’s close-knit circle, they remained down-to-earth.

“You would never catch them acting like they were superior to anyone else.

“Latif was one of my dearest friends, and he exuded that positive energy both outwardly and inwardly, which is why so many people have incredibly fond memories of him.

“His essence was about promoting love, positivity, and faith in those around him.”

Bouzaghar emphasized that Ayodele’s Islamic beliefs were significant to him, and he was dedicated to uplifting communities across London.

“Latif often said: ‘Never harbor a grudge; you are unaware of another’s journey. Approach others with compassion, and always resolve conflicts with your kin.’

“That was his true nature. He was there for me during tough times, accepting me as I was. Traveling with him to Morocco helped me realize he was more than just a friend—he was family.”

The generosity and warmth of both Ghami and Ayodele have left a lasting impression on many, particularly at Ghami’s two gyms in South Ruislip and Colindale.

Arthur Pologar, a personal trainer at Evolve Gym in South Ruislip, was in Hungary when he learned of the accident.

“I was back home for Christmas with my family when I received the call. I thought, ‘This can’t be true.’ I immediately called him, but there was no response,” he recounted.

“I just kept wishing it wasn’t real, but then it was confirmed, and I rushed back to London.”

Ghami, who was originally from Iran, relocated to the UK at the age of 10.

For Pologar, who arrived in London at 18, Ghami served as a beacon of confidence and inspiration.

“He is inspiring to me because I can identify with his journey. Coming to a new country and succeeding is a significant motivation for me,” he shared.

“He consistently supported those around him. It’s hard to accept that he’s gone.”

Firefighter Rhys Verley, a regular at the South Ruislip gym, remarked on the profound absence left by Ghami.

“It feels surreal to think he’s no longer here,” he noted.

“A void has certainly been created. Everyone is doing their best to carry on. He was such a generous individual, always offering advice to people like me.”

In Persian, the name Sina signifies wisdom, while in Arabic, Latif denotes kindness.

Friends remarked that these two traits encapsulated the essence of both men, shaping the legacies they leave within their communities.