A father’s love for the daughter he barely knew has led to his death – and her salvation. It happened just after 11pm Monday, at The Esplanade and Lower Jarvis St. A northbound Ford pickup somehow lost control, struck another car making a left turn, mounted the curb and plowed head on into the family.
Khalid Suleman Said was out for a walk with his wife and 6-month-old when the vehicle barreled straight for them. He acted out of instinct and love, pushing his daughter’s stroller out of harm’s way. But there was no one to help Said or his wife, 36-year-old Najat Haj. She died at the scene, and he lost his battle for life an hour later in St. Michael’s Hospital.
To compound the tragedy, the baby was born in Australia – and her mother had arrived back in the country on Friday, letting dad see the infant for the first time. Basit Osman, who was related to the Eritrean couple, believes the unthinkable tragedy holds a lesson for everyone. “When people say life is short, we don't think it is this short.” Funeral arrangements are pending, while the child remains in hospital with a fractured skull. She's currently in the custody of the Children’s Aid Society, and is expected to survive.
Yes...It is.
