Auckland’s Fijian Indian community has mourned the loss of “a man with a golden heart” and called for caution on the roads following a fatal crash near Auckland Airport last week.
Arvind Kumar, 45, died in a three-vehicle crash on George Bolt Memorial Dr near the intersection with Tom Pearce Dr at around 4am on July 30.
Family said the couple were stopped at a red light when the accident happened.
His wife Jasoda, who he was dropping to the airport for a flight back to Fiji to attend a relative’s funeral, sustained serious injuries and remained in hospital with fractured ribs and spinal injuries.
Parnesh Gounder told 1News his brother-in-law Arvind was an “amazing and humble human”.
“All his mates used to say, ‘if you are in trouble at 2am at night, Arvind would be there for you’. He could never say no to anyone who needed help, Arvind was always the first to offer a hand and the last to ask for anything in return.”
Kumar, described as a “man of deep faith”, had migrated to New Zealand from Fiji just over two years ago.
In that time, Gounder said he had touched many lives.
“He never swore, never raised his voice, never got angry. He was gentle in every sense.”
The pair were waiting at a red light when they were hit from behind by another vehicle, Gounder said.
A small service was held at Middlemore Hospital before Arvind’s body was flown back to Fiji. Jasoda was able to attend despite being bedridden.
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Community rallies round
More than 600 people attended the funeral service in Fiji — a turnout Gounder said spoke to Arvind’s impact on the wider community.
Mourners raised around $7000 for the family during the viewing.
“The family didn’t want any money, but the community got together.”
One person the family was especially grateful to is Sam Achary of Ann’s Funeral Home, who coordinated the funeral and repatriation of Kumar’s body to Fiji.
Gounder urged drivers to be more cautious on the roads.
“Because of someone else’s mistake, someone has lost their life,” he said.
“Mostly when you’re driving, you’re thinking about yourself, your safety, damage to your vehicle, your insurance. A moment of carelessness can destroy a family.”
Police told 1News they are continuing to investigate the circumstances of the crash.
Detective Sergeant Wayne Gear of the Serious Crash Investigations Team said a 36-year-old Australian national was charged with failing to stop or ascertain injury.
“He has appeared in the Manukau District Court, and is due to reappear today.
“The Serious Crash Unit is continuing to investigate the crash and further charges cannot be ruled out at this early stage.”
