Singaporean’s Son Died In Christchurch Shooting
The deaths of innocent people in a tragedy is a painful news to bear, and it hurts all the more when the loss hits close to home.
One of the 50 victims identified in the Christchurch shooting on 15 Mar was Tariq Rashid Omar, a 24-year-old born to a Singaporean father and a Kiwi mother.
Tributes are surfacing online, in memory of a wonderful young man who left this world too soon.
Lived in New Zealand since birth
The late Tariq had been living in New Zealand since birth, according to a report by Berita Harian.
Though Kiwi by citizenship, he traced his Singaporean roots back to his father, Mr Rashid Omar, who used to study at Balestier Hill West Primary and Braddell Secondary.
His mother, Mrs Rosemary Omar, is a New Zealand national.
Tariq was 1 of 4 siblings — he has an older sister, a younger sister and a younger brother.
Devoted son & Muslim
Tariq, who held a Degree in Geology from the University of Canterbury, was also an avid football player at a club in Christchurch.
In an interview with Berita Mediacorp, his parents recall his caring nature, and how he liked to help children and loved animals.
Mr Omar explained how Tariq was a devoted Muslim, and was always among the first to reach the mosque, just like he did on the fateful day.
Mrs Omar who arrived a little later was in the parking lot behind the mosque and witnessed the attack.
She heard gunshots and saw people running out, and immediately drove to the front to find out what was happening.
That was when she saw bodies lying on the ground outside the mosque and feared the worst for her son.
Loss felt by everyone
Many who know Tariq and his family are grieving his death, expressing their condolences and prayers online.
Relatives and even his father’s past acquaintances in Singapore shared their thoughts and well-wishes.
These kind messages have not gone unnoticed — Mr Omar is immensely grateful for all the support the family has received both from New Zealand and other countries.
MS News extends our heartfelt condolences to the late Mr Tariq Rashid Omar’s family, and hope that they’ll find the strength to pull through this tragedy.
Featured image from Facebook.
