Sai Kung District Councillor Stanley Ho, who followed up on the incident which resulted in the death of Benjamin Restrepo, stated on Facebook today (10/12) that he had contacted the victim’s sister and niece and they agreed to hold a memorial service.
Ho stated that after the incident, a Hong Kong citizen successfully contacted Benjamin’s family, and then the family took the initiative to contact Ho, hoping he could provide assistance. Ho pointed out that the police and the fire department had handed over the contact information of the family members a few days ago. However, the relevant departments have not actively contacted the family members, although the fire department promised to contact the family members within days.
Ho said that because the family expected Benjamin’s body to be sent back to Colombia for burial, the police and the fire department have not sent any contact persons to discuss with the family about how to deal with the aftermath and compensation matters. The family has contacted the local Columbian consulate, and also the US Consulate General on his behalf.
Some photos of Benjamin’s travels from Facebook
Ho also pointed out that the family members are currently in shock, and coupled with the lack of contact and the need to process a large number of documents to bring Benjamin back to their hometown, they feel quite helpless.
Benjamin’s elder sister and niece have agreed to hold a memorial service in Hong Kong. Ho will discuss the details and arrangements with Benjamin’s friends in Hong Kong. However, due to the restrictions of the gatherings owing to the current pandemic lockdown, the memorial meeting may be kept simple or online instead.
Ho also pointed out that some enthusiastic Sai Kung residents had donated money to the owner of Mushroom Bakery to be handed over to Benjamin’s family assist with any arrangements. However, since the family members have not indicated their financial needs at this time, he appealed to interested citizens not to donate more money. The owners of Mushroom Bakery have handed over the money to Ho for the temporary custody, and he is asking his family members about their wishes.
Ho also said that some friends in Sai Kung expressed their willingness to buy the bicycles and parts left by Benjamin. He would ask the family members whether they would agree to sell, or keep the bicycles and ship them back to the United States.
The Highways Department also closed the road for one way working in Pak Sha wan where the accident occurred for maintenance and improvement works today from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.
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