Emirati student, 20, killed in US by suspected drunk driver

Dubai: Emirati student Suhail Saif Suhail Humaid Al Derei, 20, was laid to rest in his hometown of Al Ain after he was killed in a traffic accident in Indianapolis, US.

Funeral prayers were held at 6.30am on Wednesday.

Residents across the UAE offered their condolences to the family and expressed their shock over the tragic news. Al Derei’s classmates were also consumed by grief over the sudden news of his death, as many took to social networking sites to offer their thoughts and prayers to the bereaved family.

“May God have mercy on your servant Suhail Saif Al Derei, and forgive him,” said @llfcbll.

https://twitter.com/llfcbll/status/1194543504862646273

Indiana State Police confirmed the identity of Al Darei, who was enrolled as an exchange student at Indiana University-Purdue University in Indianapolis.

In a statement, police said the traffic accident took place on November 10 at 1.35am, when his Chevrolet Corvette crashed into a silver Kia driving in the wrong direction.

Preliminary investigations showed that the Kia was northbound in the southbound lanes, travelling in the centre lane.

“The Kia struck a 2015 Chevrolet Corvette head on. The Corvette was traveling southbound in the centre lane. The inside lane (3rd lane) was closed at the time of the crash with orange traffic barrels for construction purposes. The Corvette was occupied by two males,” said Indiana State Police.

Al Derei was pronounced dead at the scene while the passenger was transported to Franciscan Health for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

The driver of the Kia, identified as Anna R. Warner, 21, from Beaverville, Illinois, was also killed in the accident.

Alcohol is believed to be a factor in the fatal crash.