Papamoa (New Zealand): A 36-year-old man originally from Punjab lost his life in a devastating road accident while working a late-evening Uber shift in New Zealand, leaving behind his wife and an 18-month-old daughter.
New Zealand Police confirmed that Ramandeep Dhillon died at the scene following a collision between two vehicles on Te Puke Highway, between Bell Road and Poplar Lane, on Wednesday evening. Two people travelling in the other vehicle sustained injuries and were taken for medical treatment.
Dhillon had moved to New Zealand in 2015 on a student visa and had been living in Papamoa in recent years. He had returned to India in 2024, where he married Veerpal Kaur before the couple settled abroad together. In Papamoa, the family was engaged in work at kiwifruit orchards to support their livelihood.
After the birth of their daughter, named Kudrat, Dhillon reportedly began working as a ride-share driver to maintain a more flexible schedule that allowed him to spend time with his family and support childcare responsibilities.
According to his wife, the accident took place on a route he frequently travelled. She said he had left home after spending time with their child and had promised to return later in the evening for dinner. When repeated calls went unanswered, concern began to grow within the family.
Later that night, authorities arrived at their residence with news of the fatal crash. His wife described the moment as life-altering, recalling the shock and grief upon learning of his death.
She remembered Dhillon as a devoted and gentle person who was deeply attached to his family, especially after becoming a father. Relatives said the couple’s young daughter continues to look for him, unaware of the loss.
Dhillon’s final rites were held on May 20 in New Zealand and were attended by members of the Indian diaspora who came together to pay their respects. In the aftermath of the tragedy, members of the community have also initiated a fundraising effort to assist the grieving family with funeral expenses and daily needs.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.
