A 36-year-old mother from Napier has been remembered as a “joyous and joyful” woman after she was fatally struck by a bus outside her workplace on Tennyson Street last Friday morning.
According to a report by Stuff, Olawande Pepetual Braimoh, known to friends and family as Wande, died at the scene. According to her family, she had only recently started working at the location and was just outside the premises when the incident occurred.
In a fundraiser organised to support her family, close friend Tobi Bamidele described the devastating loss, writing: “It is with heavy hearts that we share the sudden passing of our dear friend Wande, who tragically lost her life on 17 April while on her way to work on Tennyson Street, Napier, New Zealand.” She added, “Wande was the person who showed up, with food, prayer, laughter, and help, whenever anyone needed it,” Stuff has quoted.
Speaking on Tuesday, Bamidele said Braimoh was “just joyous and joyful,” recalling her warmth and presence within the community. Both women were originally from Nigeria and had settled in Hawke’s Bay, where they became close after Braimoh arrived in New Zealand about three years ago.
Friends described Braimoh as a source of light and support to those around her. “Wande was an amazing wife, mother, friend and sister, whose life was cut short far too soon,” Bamidele said. She is survived by her husband, Oluwasegun Braimoh, and their eight-year-old son. Bamidele also confirmed that Braimoh was pregnant at the time of her death, as reported by Stuff.
Highlighting the circumstances of the tragedy, Bamidele said: “She’s a young person who has been doing the right thing, taking care of her family. She was a pedestrian. She didn’t deserve to die that way.”
The pair met through church, where Braimoh was known for her generosity and hospitality. “We met at Equippers, but now she goes to the Baptist Church. She invites people for lunch almost every Sunday after church,” Bamidele said, Stuff has quoted.
The fundraiser notes the impact she had on her wider community: “She was deeply loved in the African community across New Zealand and gave so much of herself to everyone around her.”
Bamidele also spoke of her friend’s character, saying: “She’s such a great person. She’s just a very amazing person, loving, kind and giving. She doesn’t find it difficult to say sorry. That’s why it’s really hard to wonder how such a lovely person could experience such a tragic death,” as quoted by Stuff.
According to Stuff, as investigations continue, the family is still seeking answers. “We don’t even understand what’s going on. We’re still trying to find out. We’re waiting to hear back from the police,” Bamidele said. “We’re trying to be patient, but also really sad and devastated right now.”
A spokesperson for the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council said appropriate procedures are being followed when engaging with families affected by serious incidents. Police, who officially released Braimoh’s name on Tuesday, confirmed that inquiries into the crash are ongoing.
In the fundraiser, Bamidele summed up the family’s grief: “Her passing leaves behind a family facing unimaginable grief, along with the sudden costs of a funeral and the daily expenses of life that don’t pause for loss,“ Stuff has quoted.