A Kenyan man living in the United Kingdom has lost his life after being struck by a lorry in Essex, leaving his family and community devastated by the sudden tragedy.
Peter Omwansa Ogwaka was walking along Progress Road in Leigh-on-Sea when a heavy goods vehicle hit him around midday on Wednesday. Emergency services responded to the scene, but Peter was later pronounced dead.
Essex Police Probe Leigh-on-Sea Collision
Officers from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit attended the scene and conducted examinations that kept a section of the A127 closed for roughly seven hours.
Essex Police confirmed that the lorry driver had not been arrested, with investigators still working to establish the full circumstances of the crash.
News of Peter’s passing has sent shockwaves through his family, close friends and members of the wider Kenyan community in the UK, many of whom are still struggling to process the loss.
A WhatsApp group has been created to help coordinate support for the bereaved family as they begin planning his send-off.
Family Seeks Support for Funeral Costs
The Kenya Diaspora Media reported that Peter’s wife, Sheila Ogwoka, has turned to GoFundMe to raise funds towards the funeral and burial expenses, describing the ordeal as an overwhelming burden at an already painful time.
“My name is Sheila Ogwoka, and I am raising funds to support my family following the tragic loss of my husband, Peter Ogwoka, who passed away after being hit by a HGV,” she wrote in her appeal.
Sheila appealed to friends, relatives and well-wishers not to underestimate the value of any amount they can contribute.
“Any contribution, no matter how small, will mean a lot to us during this difficult time,” she added, expressing gratitude for the prayers and moral support already coming the family’s way.
