Family Remembers Arvind Kumar After Fatal Crash in Auckland

A tragic car accident in Auckland has claimed the life of Arvind Kumar, a 45-year-old Fijian-Indian man. The incident occurred in the early hours of October 25, 2023, while Kumar was driving his wife, Jashoda Gounder, to Auckland Airport. She was scheduled to fly to Fiji to attend her aunt’s funeral when their vehicle was struck from behind by another car as they waited at a red light.

The collision took place on George Bolt Memorial Drive, near the intersection with Tom Pearce Drive, temporarily closing the road leading to the airport. Eyewitness accounts suggest that the car that hit Kumar’s vehicle was speeding. Kumar was pronounced dead at the scene, leaving his family and community in mourning.

Community Mourns and Remembers Kumar

Kumar, who immigrated to New Zealand from Fiji approximately two and a half years ago, is remembered fondly by his family and the community. His brother-in-law, Parnesh, described him as a deeply religious man with a “golden heart” who touched many lives during his short time in New Zealand. “He was such a humble man,” Parnesh reflected. “He never swore, was never angry, and had a genuine soul who could never say no to helping anyone.”

The family has received an outpouring of support from the local community, including people they did not know. Parnesh expressed gratitude for this solidarity, saying, “This event has personally shocked me. It reminds us that anything can happen, and life shouldn’t be taken for granted.” He emphasized the importance of cherishing close relationships, noting that the loss of Kumar’s life has inspired a message of forgiveness and love among family members.

Jashoda’s Recovery and Funeral Arrangements

Jashoda Gounder, who sustained serious injuries in the crash, is currently recovering at Middlemore Hospital. Although she has regained consciousness, her recovery process is expected to take weeks, if not months, due to fractures in her ribs and spine. Parnesh relayed that a small ritual was performed for Kumar at the hospital in Jashoda’s presence, as she was unable to travel to Fiji for her aunt’s funeral.

Funeral services for Arvind Kumar were held both in Auckland and Fiji, attracting an estimated 600 attendees in total. According to Sam Achary from the Auckland Indian Funeral Home, the Auckland service took place on the evening of October 27, and Kumar’s body was repatriated to Fiji the following day. Achary noted that the community came together to assist the family during this difficult time.

Parnesh expressed profound gratitude to Achary for his support, stating, “We were extremely distressed and uncertain about how to arrange his funeral. It was during this time of immense grief that we met Mr. Sam. He took complete ownership of the situation and guided us with genuine compassion and professionalism.”

As the family navigates this tragic loss, Parnesh urges others to practice road safety. He remarked, “Please be cautious. Someone lost their life through no fault of their own. Road safety isn’t just about protecting yourself; it’s about ensuring the safety of others as well. A single moment can take a life and leave a family without their breadwinner.”

The Kumar family is now left to cope with the loss of Arvind, emphasizing the devastating impact of this tragic event. “We still can’t believe his innocent soul is gone because of someone else’s carelessness,” Parnesh said, highlighting the profound void left in their lives.