Pictured: 'Beautiful and vibrant' mother, 56, who died after she was 'murdered by BMW driver'
Nila Patel, 56, died after allegedly being attacked by Michael Chuwuemeka, 23, following a traffic accident near Leicester City Centre on June 24.
She was rushed to hospital but pronounced dead 48 hours later, with the provisional cause of death given as a head injury.
The BMW 1 Series driver was then charged with her murder and appeared via video link at Leicester Crown Court today where he was remanded in custody.
He has also been charged with dangerous driving, possession with intent to supply class B drugs, attempted grievous bodily harm relating to another incident prior to the collision and alleged assault on a police officer after his arrest.
Mr Chuwuemeka has also been charged with causing actual bodily harm in connection with a separate victim in London in the early hours of June 24.
Paying tribute to Mrs Patel today, her son Jaiden and daughter Danika described her as 'one of the most kind-hearted people you could ever meet'.
They said: 'We are heartbroken, but we want the world to know who our mum truly was - a beautiful, vibrant soul who deserved so much more.
'Her love was quiet but powerful - shown through warm meals, thoughtful words, and a smile that could light up any room.
'She always put others before herself, offering comfort without ever asking for anything in return. Even when life was hard, she carried on with strength, dignity and a smile on her face.'
The siblings, who have raised nearly £20,000 for their mother's funeral through a Gofundme, also described the impact she had on them growing up.
'She was a devoted mother, a loyal friend, and an incredibly hard worker,' they added. 'At home and in her career, she gave everything she had - never complaining, always giving.
'She raised us with patience, love, and unwavering support, and our greatest wish was always to make her proud.
'Mum's life was full of love, and the stories we've heard from those who knew her have reminded us of just how deeply she touched the lives around her. She was truly rich in love and generosity.
'We will miss her more than words can ever express. We didn't get the chance to say goodbye, and that pain is something we carry every day. But we will continue to speak her name with pride, honour her memory, and live by the values she taught us.
'Mum's story matters. Her life mattered. We ask that anyone who hears her story helps us keep her name and memory alive.'
Leics Police said: 'A man has been charged with murder following the death of a woman who was assaulted on Aylestone Road, Leicester on Tuesday 24 June following a road traffic collision.
'Michael Chuwuemeka, 23, of Dover Street, Leicester has been remanded to appear at Leicester Magistrates' Court on Saturday.
'The pedestrian has been formally identified as 56-year-old Nila Patel, who died in hospital from her injuries on Thursday 26 June.
'A post-mortem examination has been conducted and a provisional cause of Nila's death has been given as a head injury.'
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