Death second blow to family
A Calgary family was preparing to lay to rest a beloved uncle when they were dealt another tragic blow over the weekend.
Just hours before the memorial, relatives learned Zein El-Masri — who was out with friends to mark his 24th birthday — was killed in a car crash early Sunday.
Police believe the Honda Accord he was a passenger in was racing with a Volkswagen Jetta before it slammed into a light standard at 68th Street and 26th Avenue N.E. at 1:40 a.m.
Three female passengers in the back seat were injured and taken to hospital. The 21-yearold driver refused a breath sample and was arrested for suspected impaired driving. Charges are pending.
Hearing that alcohol may have played a role in the crash is frustrating for El-Masri’s family.
“Of course we are against drinking and driving. Now we have to speak out more against it,” said cousin Rabih ElMasri. “Driving under the influence, driving while tired, endangeri ng t he safety of other citizens, we will be vocal about this.”
But, for now, they are still in shock over losing two loved ones within days.
El-Masri’s mother was hospitalized over the grief of losing her son, and his father has been crying since learning the news, Rabih said.
“Everyone is still shocked over losing his uncle. There is sorrow and disbelief.”
After his uncle died, ElMasri had told his family he planned to go back to school, concentrate on his future and “find his path,” Rabih said.
El-Masri is being remembered as generous and bighearted, and well-liked by many.
He came from a large family, with numerous siblings, Rabih said.
His funeral is planned this week.