A 30-year-old Indian-origin man has died after being struck by a semi-trailer on the Federal Highway near Canberra, Australia, just three weeks after welcoming his younger daughter into the world, as reported by Hindustan Times.
Harsh Sharma, originally from Mandi Gobindgarh in Punjab, had been living in Canberra with his wife and two daughters. He worked in the healthcare sector and had built a life in Australia after moving from India.
According to Hindustan Times, Sharma was struck by a semi-trailer near Bungendore Road at Bywong, approximately 25 kilometres northeast of Canberra, at around 9.40pm on September 3. Emergency services rushed to the location, but Sharma died at the scene.
Police established a crime scene following the incident and launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fatal crash. Hindustan Times reported that officers from the Crash Investigation Unit were assisting with the inquiries.
The truck driver, who is also in his 30s, was taken to Canberra Hospital for mandatory testing following the crash.
Hindustan Times reported that Sharma was a young father who had moved from Punjab to Canberra and was working in healthcare while raising his family in Australia.
His death has left his family facing an especially painful loss because his youngest daughter was only three weeks old when the tragedy occurred.
Sharma is survived by his wife and two young daughters. His parents and other extended family members remain in India.
A fundraiser launched by Sharma’s childhood friend Harkirat Singh, together with Tanjot and Shabir, described him as a husband, son, friend and father whose life was tragically cut short.
According to Hindustan Times, the GoFundMe campaign was established to help Sharma’s family manage immediate expenses following his death, support his wife and daughters and provide longer-term financial stability for the family.
The fundraiser has brought together friends, members of the community and others who wanted to support Sharma’s family during the difficult period following his death.
As of September 13, the fundraising campaign had received almost $70,000 towards its $100,000 target, with around 990 people having contributed.
Hindustan Times reported that the money raised through the campaign is initially expected to be received by Singh in Australia before being divided equally between Sharma’s wife and his parents in India.
Singh has said the arrangement was made with the knowledge and permission of Sharma’s wife and parents. He also stated that he would not retain any of the funds for himself.
The fundraising campaign said records of the money received and transfers made to the family would be maintained to ensure transparency around the distribution of the donations.
The campaign is intended to provide immediate assistance to Sharma’s wife and children while also helping create some longer-term financial security for the family.
Hindustan Times also reported that friends are making arrangements to repatriate Sharma’s remains to Punjab, where his family can perform his final rites.
Police are continuing their inquiries into the circumstances of the fatal crash. Authorities have appealed to anyone who may have information about the incident to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
According to Hindustan Times, the investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to establish the circumstances surrounding the collision on the Federal Highway.
For Sharma’s wife and two young daughters, as well as his parents and relatives in India, the focus has now shifted to coping with an unexpected and devastating loss.
The fact that Sharma’s youngest daughter was born just three weeks before his death has added another painful dimension to the tragedy. His daughter will grow up without her father, while his wife is now facing the responsibility of raising their two children following the sudden loss.
Friends who knew Sharma have described the fundraising effort as an attempt to stand by his family during the immediate aftermath of the tragedy and help provide some financial stability for the two young children he leaves behind.
The community-led campaign is now seeking to reach its $100,000 goal as Sharma’s friends and supporters continue efforts to assist his family in Australia and India.