Rose Bay accident victim was Jewish and father of four
A doctor recently arrived from the UK was killed in a road accident in the Sydney suburb of Rose Bay when his bicycle fell under the wheels of a truck.
Dr Henri Sueke, his wife Dani and their children. Photo; Facebook
The Jewish NSW Ambulance chaplain who attended the accident in Sydney’s Rose Bay which claimed the life of 36-yr-old Dr Henri Sueke told J-Wire the victim was wearing a yarmulke under his safety helmet. Rabbi Dovid Slavin told J-Wire: “I attended the accident at the request of the ambulance service and did not identify the victim as being Jewish until his helmet was removed. I said Shema and counselled those attending the accident.”
A family friend told J-Wire that Dr Sueke and his family had recently arrived from the UK where Dr Sueke had also been a registered mohel in the Manchester community.
Dr Sueke was married with four children. His wife Dani attended Sydney’s Moriah College before moving to the UK where her four children were born.
A friend of her family told J-Wire: “He was a man who was physically very fit and was not known as a person who would take chances or act irrationally.
Dr Sueke was working at Sydney’s Westmead Children’s hospital where he is listed as being an Honorary Fellow specialising in paediatric ophthalmology.
According to reports in the Daily Telegraph Mr Sueke may have hit a parked car. The newspaper stated “police would not say if the cyclist hit a parked car, causing him to fall, and would only confirm he was on the inside of the truck when hit.”
Rescue team at the scene of the accident Photo courtesy Daily Telegraph
NSW Police released the following statement: “A cyclist has died after a collision involving a heavy vehicle at Rose Bay this morning.
About 7.45am (Thursday 28 May 2015), emergency services were called to New South Head Road where the man was trapped under the truck near the intersection of Kent Road. It’s believed both were travelling west.
NSW Ambulance Paramedics rendered assistance; however, the man died at the scene.
The driver of the truck has been taken for mandatory blood and urine tests.
Police are urging anyone with information in relation to this incident to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au/ Information you provide will be treated in the strictest of confidence. We remind people they should not report crime information via our Facebook and Twitter pages.
I grew up on the same street as Henri, his family live in the house opposite…..such a lovely lad and its so sad this has happened….my thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends
A most painful tragedy. I am still in shock and thinking of a valuable life lost and a devastated family….
Bdh what a tragedy .may hashem comfort the family המקום ינחם אתכם ן
So saddened to hear this tragic news. Henri worked as an Ophthalmic Trainee at Warrington Hospital in the United Kingdom and will be sadly missed. Condolences offered to his wife and family. RIP Henri
My thoughts and prayers go out to Dani, the children and the rest of the family. Dr Sueke was new to our country it appears. May something positive come out of this. We need separate cycleways. Its too dangerous to mix metal machines (cars & trucks) with unprotected people on flimsy bikes.
Have only just read this article & your comments and I am wondering if you are the same Paul Rigby who is/was an accountant, once played rugby withs Easts and at one time lived in Watsons Bay?
Chris Smith now in Melbourne.
Gidday Chris, Yes it is. Ive only just seen your reply about a year later. Drop me a line at paul@myofficehub.com
To all in cycling , Eastern suburbs community and to mr Suekes immediate and extended family. My heart hurts and my eyes cry for your horrible loss. My partner is a big cyclist and its heart breaking to hear a normal day could end so badly. Please all be safe. My thoughts are with you and your children. Also with the truck driver. You will I’m sure get through. All I can offer is my thoughts to your family and faith in time you will get thru this. Kindest Regards. Xx