The crowded nightclub where a student was crushed to death by a falling barrier was selling spirits and shots for £1.50 each.
Olivia Burt, 20, was in a crowd near the entrance of Durham’s Missoula nightspot when ‘pushing’ from the back of the queue toppled a heavy barricade.
Revellers were trying to get into the club’s Wednesday student night, at which drinks are half-price until 2am, with so-called ‘Jagerbombs’, tequila and sambuca £1.50 each.
Olivia Burt, 20, was crushed under a fence which was reportedly pushed over by crowds trying to get into a Durham nightclub
Adverts for the Wednesday night event, pictured, promoted half price drinks all night
Messages sent around on Facebook advertised spirits for £1.50 and offers on doubles
Pictures provided to student paper The Tab show a long line of revellers before the tragedy
The night is aimed at Durham University’s sports teams and societies, with an advert telling students to: ‘Don your finest sport attire, grab your teammates or friends and score some great drink deals with 50% off.’
Miss Burt, who was only months into her natural sciences course at the university, was described as an ‘exceptional sportswoman’ and accomplished sailor, with an ‘outstanding academic record’.
Former schoolmate Megan Stone said: ‘She was the most genuine and loveliest person with a heart of gold.’
Eddie Cuttelle posted on Facebook: ‘Heartbroken that we lost our brilliant and clever head girl. Olivia was so kind to me when I arrived at BSG [Bournemouth School for Girls] not knowing anyone from the area … RIP’
Lymington Town Sailing Club posted: ‘We are devastated to hear news of the death of Olivia Burt. A talented young Laser sailor who was always smiling around the club. Our thoughts are with her family at this terrible time.’
Chris Atherton, performance manager at Royal Yachting Association, said: ‘As a popular and committed Junior Optimist squad sailor, Olivia Burt exhibited all the drive, determination and good sportsmanship required to progress as a successful Laser competitor.
‘Olivia’s passion for sailing always shone through and all those who knew her in the sailing community will miss her tremendously; she was both a likeable and fair competitor.
‘Our thoughts and sympathies are with the family and friends of Olivia at this sad time.’
Desperate attempts were made by doormen to resuscitate Olivia, but she was later died from severe head injuries at the scene
Olivia took this photo with her friends at Derwent Reservoir in Northumberland and shared it on her Instagram page
Mourners leave floral tributes outside the Missoula club in the Walkergate area of Durham
Witnesses said a heavy metal barrier fell over and the first year student was ‘stuck under it’ as people ‘piled on top of her.’
She is believed to have been killed almost instantly and a post mortem confirmed she died from head injuries.
The venue is understood to have been full with 600 revellers and those queuing to get in had to wait for others inside to leave first.
Witnesses have criticised the lack of crowd control, which was said to be a regular problem.
One female student said she would not be returning to the club, adding: ‘Queuing has always been an issue at the club and I’m surprised something like this hasn’t happened sooner.
‘The crowd control is a huge problem. It’s a big night and it’s always full. People run to the doors.
‘The city wasn’t built to have this many students, all of the clubs have issues with queuing.’
Barriers were dismantled at the scene yesterday as forensics experts were brought in
Floral tributes are left at the scene of Miss Burt’s tragic death in Durham on Wednesday
The 20-year-old student died after a fence fell on top of her outside the nightclub in Durham
Tributes were paid to Miss Burt yesterday as her grieving parents, Nigel and Paula Burt from Milford on Sea, Hampshire, travelled to Durham to identify their daughter’s body.
Professor David Held, Master of University College, Durham, said: ‘She came to Durham with glowing references from her school where she was regarded in the highest possible terms.
‘She had an outstanding academic record and was an exceptional sportswoman. She was part of the British Sailing team in the European Championships.
‘Olivia sailed for more than a decade, quickly finding her place in the university team. She became very active both in college life and the wider university.
‘Those students close to her have lost a wonderful friend, whom in their shock they grieve for, alongside her family and friends.’ Durham Police said a joint investigation had been launched with officials from the county council.
Phoenix Security, which provides doormen for the venue, declined to comment. Missoula opened in 2016 following the £385,000 revamp of a former pub.
A spokesman for the nightspot said a full investigation was underway, adding: Until that is concluded we are unable to comment further.’