Family Remembers Arvind Kumar After Tragic Auckland Crash

A tragic accident claimed the life of 45-year-old Arvind Kumar earlier this week in Auckland, New Zealand. Kumar was driving his wife, Jashoda Gounder, to the airport around 04:00 hours when their vehicle was struck from behind while waiting at a red light. Gounder was en route to Fiji to attend her aunt’s funeral when the incident occurred on George Bolt Memorial Drive, near the intersection with Tom Pearce Drive, which was subsequently closed to facilitate the investigation.

Kumar, who emigrated from Fiji to New Zealand nearly two and a half years ago, is remembered by his brother-in-law, Parnesh, as a humble and religious man. “He was such a humble man,” Parnesh remarked, noting that Kumar had “touched many lives in New Zealand in just two years.” He emphasized Kumar’s character, describing him as someone who “never swore” and was “never angry,” and recalled how Kumar possessed a “golden heart” and always contributed to his community.

Eyewitnesses reported that the car which collided with Kumar’s vehicle was speeding. Parnesh, who received news of the accident at approximately 04:25 hours, shared that Gounder is currently recovering at Middlemore Hospital. She has regained consciousness, but her recovery could take weeks or even months due to fractures in her ribs and spine. “We’re trying to get back her mobility as soon as possible,” he stated.

As the family navigates this profound loss, they have received considerable support from the local community. Parnesh expressed gratitude, saying, “We’re getting a lot of support from the community, the Kiwis, and those whom we do not even know.” The incident has served as a sobering reminder for him about the unpredictability of life. “This event has personally shocked me — it’s a reminder that anything can happen and life shouldn’t be taken for granted,” he said.

A small ritual was held at the hospital in Gounder’s presence, as she was unable to travel to Fiji due to her injuries. The family organized a funeral service in both Auckland and Fiji, which saw an estimated 600 attendees. Sam Achary from the Auckland Indian Funeral Home confirmed that a service was held in Auckland on Friday night, with Kumar being repatriated back to Fiji on Sunday. “The community came together to help,” Achary noted.

Parnesh extended heartfelt thanks to Achary for his support during this challenging time. “We were extremely distressed and uncertain about how to arrange his funeral — the responsibility of repatriating him back home to Fiji,” he wrote in a message of thanks. He praised Achary for taking ownership of the situation, guiding the family with “genuine compassion, humility, and professionalism.”

In a poignant message to the public, Parnesh urged drivers to exercise caution on the road. “Please be cautious. Someone lost their life through no fault of their own. Road safety isn’t just about protecting yourself. Drive carefully for the safety of others too,” he emphasized. He expressed the overwhelming difficulty of imagining life without Kumar, stating, “We still can’t believe his innocent soul is gone because of someone else’s carelessness.”

As the family grapples with their grief, they cherish the memory of Arvind Kumar, a man whose life, though cut short, left a lasting impact on those around him.