Witness History The Hillsborough disaster
Jan 5, 2026
Jenny Hicks, a bereaved mother and eyewitness, shares her heart-wrenching account of the 1989 Hillsborough disaster that claimed the lives of 97 fans, including her two daughters. She vividly recounts the chaotic moments leading up to the crush, the frantic search for her children, and the shocking aftermath. Jenny discusses the emotional toll of identifying her daughters at the mortuary and the fight against state cover-ups to uncover the truth. Her story serves as a powerful reminder of the tragedy's impact on families and the ongoing fight for justice.
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Crowd Tension Before The Crush
- Jenny Hicks describes arriving at Hillsborough with her family and watching crowding build in the Leppings Lane terraces before kick-off.
- She recounts seeing people collapse, others climbing the fence, and police pushing fans back instead of relieving pressure.
Fans Became First Responders
- The referee stopped the match within minutes and perimeter gates were eventually opened, letting fans and ambulances onto the pitch.
- Jenny recalls fans acting as rescuers, carrying out the injured and trying to resuscitate people while official response seemed slow.
The Moment Of Loss At The Hospital
- At Northern General Hospital Jenny was told Victoria had died and the moment shattered her world instantly.
- She describes the immediate collapse of hope when a doctor confirmed Vicky's death.