A man who was tragically killed in a car crash on Goulburn's outskirts on Saturday night has been described as a kind and generous person who made a big impression in his short time living here.
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Akram Syed, 33, died in a collision on Taralga Road, outside the NSW Police Driver Training School shortly after 6pm Saturday. Police said a white Isuzu utility travelling north collided with Mr Syed's silver Ford sedan, causing the sedan to spin before it stopped on the opposite side of the road.
Mr Syed died at the scene. The 27-year-old Goulburn man driving the utility was not injured but attended Goulburn Base Hospital for mandatory testing.
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It's been revealed that Mr Syed had driven out Taralga Road, looking for a wrecking business to repair his car's bumper, lost after hitting a wombat weeks before.
His housemate, Muhammed Shehroz Khuwaja, told The Post that he was unsure of the circumstances but speculated his good friend, realising he had gone too far, tried to do a u-turn at the driver training school when the collision occurred. Police have declined further comment, citing the crash investigation.
Mr Syed's passing has shocked family and friends. His uncle, Melbourne man Muhammed Ibrahim said his nephew was the only son in a family of three. His two sisters and parents, living in Hyderabad, India, were distraught by his death when informed on Saturday.
"It's an awful shock. Akram loved his parents so it's a big nightmare for them. He was a very good-natured boy and very friendly," he said.
"When he moved to Goulburn he made a lot of friends. He was very happy there, was enjoying his work and thought Goulburn was a peaceful place."
His nephew arrived in Australia in 2009 seeking work opportunities and initially lived with his uncle. He undertook a mechanics course, secured an apprenticeship but later drove a taxi and ran a Melbourne restaurant.
Mr Syed moved to Goulburn last December on a regional visa. He soon started work at Hungry Jacks South, Marulan but also completed some shifts at the Goulburn outlet.
Mr Ibrahim said Akram was due to start a new job at Southern Meats abattoir on Monday and was applying for his permanent Australian residency.
Mr Khuwaja, said Mr Syed was "more than a brother."
"He was a very nice person, humble and down to earth and never said a bad word about anyone," he said.
"He'd come home after work and talk to me for hours...We shared absolutely everything."
Mr Khuwaja met My Syed last December and they moved in together in May. He said Akram was not materialistic, cared deeply for others and helped where he could. He regularly cooked "amazing food" for other people, financially helped his family in India and spoke to them daily.
He was also a devout Muslim and prayed morning and afternoon, including on the day of his death.
On Friday night the two had talked into the early hours. Mr Syed went to work at Hungry Jacks the next day and at 5.28pm messaged Mr Khuwaja that he was on his way home.The two were due to have dinner together. When he didn't arrive, Mr Khuwaja sent several more texts and tried to call, all of which went unanswered.
He finally discovered the awful reality after visiting Goulburn Police Station.
"It was a terrible shock," Mr Khuwaja said.
"He was a strong guy and one incident has ended his life."
He said he greatly missed his friend and would remember him as "always full of happiness and joy." About 15 of his friends gathered at Eastgrove Oval on Sunday to honour his life.
Meantime, friends and his workplace are rallying to support Mr Syed's family.
Hungry Jacks state manager James McLaughlan said the company was "very saddened" by Mr Syed's passing.
"He was a very valued member of the team and we have extended our sympathy to his family and friends," he said.
"We are also working through what support we can give to the family."
The company will hold a celebration of Mr Syed's life at a future date.
Mr Ibrahim told The Post a funeral for his nephew would be held in Melbourne.
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Louise Thrower
If you have a story to tell, drop me a line at louise.thrower@austcommunitymedia.com.au or call 0418 229 678.
If you have a story to tell, drop me a line at louise.thrower@austcommunitymedia.com.au or call 0418 229 678.
