The death of influencer Klaudia Zakrzewska—known online as KlaudiaGlam—has intensified a high-profile criminal case in London, with authorities confirming that charges against former X-Factor finalist Gabrielle Harrington, also known as RielleUK, will be upgraded to murder. Zakrzewska, 32, died six days after being struck by a vehicle in the early hours of April 19 outside a nightclub in Soho.
According to The Guardian, police say the incident unfolded around 4:30 a.m. on Argyll Street, where multiple pedestrians were hit following an altercation outside the Inca nightclub. Zakrzewska sustained critical injuries and was hospitalized in life-threatening condition before her death was announced on April 25.
A man in his late 50s also suffered what officials described as “life-changing injuries,” while two others—including a woman in her 30s and a security guard—were also treated after being struck.
Zakrzewska, who built a following across TikTok and Instagram under the name KlaudiaGlam, was known for lifestyle, fashion, and travel content. Harrington, 29, had her own online presence under the name RielleUK and previously rose to fame as a finalist on The X-Factor in 2013 as part of the group Miss Dynamix.
According to investigators, CCTV footage shows Harrington re-entering a Mercedes before driving into a group that included Zakrzewska. Prosecutors allege Zakrzewska was “dragged forwards and dropped between the vehicle and a metal bike rack.”
Harrington has been charged with multiple offenses, including dangerous driving and driving while nearly twice the legal alcohol limit. She appeared in court on April 21 and was remanded in custody ahead of a scheduled hearing at the Old Bailey on May 19.
Detective Chief Inspector Alison Foxwell, who is leading the investigation, urged restraint as the case unfolded. “We would like to express our deepest sympathies to Klaudia’s family and friends in light of this tragic update,” Foxwell said, adding that the public should “refrain from further speculation” and avoid sharing graphic footage that could impact legal proceedings.
In the days following the crash, Zakrzewska’s family shared emotional updates online, with her mother asking supporters to “keep my beautiful daughter Klaudia in your prayers.” A crowdfunding campaign raised nearly £18,000 to assist with medical care and legal costs.
