We have lost our family’s backbone — Victim of drunk driver dies after 13 days in coma

KLANG: A family is calling for justice and tougher action against drunk driving after a 27-year-old man died following a wrong-way crash involving an allegedly intoxicated motorist, in a tragedy they say could have been prevented.

Zulfiqar Zamir Amirul Nizam died at 4.28pm today at Tengku Ampuan Rahimah Hospital here, after spending 13 days in intensive care in a coma following the incident, Sinar Harian reported.

He was believed to have been hit by a driver who was travelling against traffic while allegedly under the influence of alcohol along Persiaran Kota.

His mother, Hamidah Othman, 51, said the family had been informed earlier in the day that his condition had deteriorated and he was fully dependent on life support.

“At 4.30pm, the doctor told us his pulse was dropping before he was confirmed dead,” she said when met at the hospital’s forensic department.

Hamidah said the family wanted the driver responsible for the crash to face appropriate punishment and urged authorities to strengthen laws against drunk driving.

“My son did not suffer a minor injury; he died because of irresponsible actions. I want the drunk driver to be held accountable,” she said.

She added that Zulfiqar had remained unconscious since the crash and was fully dependent on a ventilator throughout his hospital stay.

“He never regained consciousness. Doctors had already said his chances were very slim, but as a mother I kept hoping for a miracle,” she said.

Hamidah said Zulfiqar’s death was deeply felt by the entire family as he was the eldest son who carried much of the responsibility in supporting the household and his younger siblings.

“He was the backbone of the family. His siblings relied heavily on him, and he had always helped me.”

“He still had many unfulfilled dreams — he wanted to start his own business, complete his degree and get married — but everything has now been cut short,” she said.

On May 18, it was reported that an event planner, Low Kean Peng, 35, pleaded not guilty in court to a charge of driving under the influence of alcohol causing grievous hurt.

Investigations found the driver had been travelling from Port Klang to Shah Alam before driving against traffic for about 3.5km and crashing into the victim’s motorcycle.

A sombre mood prevailed at the forensic department as relatives gathered for the release of the body.

The victim will be buried at the Hutan Melintang Muslim Cemetery in Perak tomorrow.

© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd

المصدر: New Straits Times