Gone too soon – ‘Until we meet again, brother’
Molly could not understand how the accident occurred on a straight road and is left with many unanswered questions.
Days before his 34th birthday, well-known biker and car enthusiast, Devash Hooblal passed away in a tragic accident on Hathorn Street, on the evening of December 23.
Devash’s parents, Molly and Sanjil and family are shattered by the loss of their eldest son. Born and raised in Newcastle, Devash was described as a responsible, loving and caring person.
“He was a people’s person. He respected everyone he met, both young and old. This is still a big shock to our family,” said Molly.
After matriculating from St Oswald’s Secondary School in 2002, Devash’s headstrong and determined personality saw him studying logistics at a tertiary level. He was soon employed at ArcelorMittal and later joined Lanxess as a Logistics Execution Worker Officer.
In an exclusive interview with the Newcastle Advertiser, his family recalled the moments they shared with Devash before his untimely passing.
“He was on leave and he wanted to spend time with mommy. We reminisced about his childhood and he joked and laughed with me,” said an emotional Molly.
Although he did not have any children of his own, his family said Devash’s two-year-old niece (Shavania) was the apple of his eye: “She glowed when she saw him. She called him ‘dada’ (big uncle). Everyday when he came home from work, he would take her on drives or play at the nearby park. He was fond of her.”
On that fateful day, his mother recalled asking Devash to have supper at his childhood home, before he left to return to his flat.
“This particular night, he refused to eat. I keep thinking if he had stayed for supper he would have avoided the accident and would still be with us today.”
Holding back her tears, Molly said she could not understand how the accident occurred on a straight road and has been left with many unanswered questions…
The last person he spoke to was his younger brother, Yashik.
“I told him I will see him at home and I got a gift for him as his birthday was coming up,” he shared. Yashik added he wished to carry his brother’s name with pride.
A close friend and riding partner, Naren Naidu, who forged a 21-year friendship and brotherhood with him, said at the time Devash was one of the youngest bikers in the club. They had recently merged with the Crusaders MCC.
“Devash had been riding for about eight years and he was respected by the biking community. Being the youngest, he was very helpful in the club. The members feel a void.”
Naren said Devash respected and loved his motorcycle.
“He had also recently spent a good amount on servicing it. He took pride in his bike and was a careful rider.”
One of the fondest memories Naren recalled of Devash, was riding with him.
“He was the best riding partner. We rode together on many trips. He was always joking around and laughing.”
He was also a member of Team Supersonic, notoriously known for car show events throughout the country.
“Devash was a rock within the team and made sure everything was in order for our events. Team Supersonic misses him dearly and car shows are never going to be the same without him. We appreciate all he has done for us. A brother, gone too soon,” said Terence Chetty.
Devash’s father said his son was a respectful and selfless person who always put everyone above himself. He was laid to rest on December 25, 2019, with people from far and wide attending his memorial to pay their last respects.
The Hooblal family thanked the medical team, emergency services and family and friends of Devash, who have supported them during their time of bereavement.
The Newcastle Advertiser extends its condolences to the Hooblal family during this difficult mourning period. Rest in peace, Devash.
ALSO READ: Collision on Hathorn Street leaves one dead
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