More than $140,000 has been raised in just days for two men who died in a violent triple-fatal crash in Sydney’s south at the weekend.
Shoaib Hussain, 22, was driving for Uber shortly after midnight on Saturday when his car was violently struck by another vehicle at Sans Souci. Seamus Duignan, 28, was riding in the Uber and he too died. They were hit by Tamati Gilbert’s vehicle. Mr Tamati, 42, had minutes earlier sped away from police who were trying to do a mental health welfare check on him.
Separate fundraisers for the men in the Uber have raised more than $140,000 in two days.
“On Friday night, our lives changed forever when my beautiful brother, Seamus, was tragically killed in a car accident,” Sinead Dries said on a fundraiser.
“Our family is completely heartbroken and struggling to come to terms with this unimaginable loss. Seamus was so deeply loved, and his passing has left an enormous hole in the lives of everyone who knew him.
“We are creating this GoFundMe to help support our mum during this incredibly difficult time.
“Seamus lived with her, and not only is she grieving the loss of her son, but she is now also facing the financial pressure of funeral costs, household expenses, and everyday living expenses while trying to navigate this heartbreak.”
Funds raised for Mr Hussain will be sent to his family in Pakistan.
“His father, Muhammad Hussain, is a farmer in Pakistan, and Shoaib was one of the strongest supports for his family,” fundraiser organiser Syed Naseem Abbas said.
“His sudden passing has left his family devastated and heartbroken beyond words.
“He was a kind-hearted, honest, and extremely hardworking young man who always put his family before himself.
“No matter how difficult life became, Shoaib continued supporting his father and brothers back home and always carried the responsibility of his family on his shoulders.”
Mr Abbas said the Pakistan General Consulate Sydney and AusPak Youth Association Australia were organising and paying for the funeral separate to the fundraiser.
“This fundraiser is purely dedicated to supporting Shoaib’s family financially after this tragic loss … Even the smallest support can bring some relief to a family who has lost their beloved son.”
On the Pakistani Community in Australia organisation’s social media, members are pushing to fundraise for Mr Hussain’s family.
“Please arrange funds on GoFundMe. The whole amount can be arranged within one – two days so we can send the dead body back to Pakistan. At least his parents should be able to see him one last time,” one person posted.
Another Australian-Pakistani community member expressed sadness the young man died while working to send money to his family.
“So sad indeed! Brother left the world while earning halal rizq for himself and his family. May Allah grant him highest ranks in Jannah. Ameen!”
Qasim Malik from the Pakistani Community in Australia organisation said: “Today we lost our beloved friend, Shoaib Hussain, in a tragic road accident last night.
“Please recite Surah Al-Fatiha and keep him in your prayers. May Allah grant him the highest place in Jannah and give strength and patience to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
Being driven by Mr Hussain, Mr Duignan, had just been at a concert to celebrate his 28th birthday. The Toyota Camry they were in was hit by an Audi being driven by 42-year-old Mr Gilbert.
The crash happened in the early hours of Saturday, just minutes after police tried to do a mental health welfare check on Mr Gilbert. He sped off from police, and about 10 minutes later lost control of the car and crashed through a concrete barrier, flipping and landing on top of the Toyota.
Mr Duignan’s mother has told The Daily Telegraph she wants the circumstances of the crash fully investigated.
“There needs to be a complete inquest into what caused this crash,” she said.
“I don’t want any other parent to have to go through this.”
His brother posted: “Absolutely devastating news rest easy little brother can’t believe your (sic) gone life isn’t fair.
“Love you forever sea mouse.”
Mr Duignan had been at the concert of a US metal band earlier that night, and a band member posted a tribute online.
Condolences and memories are also being shared for the driver of the Audi, Mr Gilbert.
Mr Gilbert’s sister said she was “heartbroken” by his death in a post made on Sunday.
“We are absolutely devastated, heartbroken and rocked by his early passing,” she said.
Another person wrote: “We will always remember T’s big smile and sense of humour, his spirit will live on.
“Your laughter is what I’ll remember, always quick on a cheeky response to any question with a smile and a giggle. You are loved mate and leave us with the best of memories. Rest easy bro.”
Detective Acting Superintendent Graham Hibbs also extended condolences to the families of all three men.
“We really feel for the families of all three persons who were involved in this incident and their loved ones,” he said.
Nearby motorists and residents rushed to the “horrific scene” trying to help, Superintendent Hibbs said.
“I don’t think there were many cars on the road at that time, and (it was) extremely unlucky for the people involved.”
Police are looking at whether “considerable speed” was a factor in the crash and whether Mr Gilbert was under the influence of drugs and alcohol.
