Church mourns son’s shock car crash death

The son of a deacon at a popular western Sydney church congregation has died in an early morning car crash.

Ghadi Nakhoul, the son of Our Lady of Lebanon Cathedral Deacon Ghassan, died early on Thursday morning following a two-vehicle crash on Old Windsor Rd at Seven Hills, about 35km west of the CBD.

Mr Nakhoul died at the scene of the crash and the police have arrested the other driver, a 42-year-old man.

“He was arrested and taken to Blacktown Police Station where he is assisting with inquiries,” the police said on Thursday.

“A crime scene has been established and officers attached to Blacktown Police Area Command, with the assistance of the Crash Investigation Unit, are investigating the incident.”

In a touching social media post, Our Lady of Lebanon Cathedral paid tribute to Mr Nakhoul as a man who inspired “faith and hope in so many people”.

“Ghadi was a much beloved son, brother, uncle, friend and a leader in our parish community,” the statement reads.

“Ghadi lead by example. He was hardworking and committed to his family, his friends and above all his faith.

“He loved the Lord his God, he loved his church family and this inspired in him the desire to serve in the community.

“He was a beloved teens leader, sacrificing so much of his time to teach the faith and inspire the hearts of our young people.

“Our parish family and indeed the Maronite community in Australia is better off for having been blessed with Ghadi’s presence and we are indeed devastated about the news of his passing into eternal life.

“We offer our deepest condolences to Ghadi’s family, most especially to his parents our brother Deacon Ghassan with his wife Jocelyn.

“To Ghadi’s brothers John and Joey with his wife Christabel and their family.

“To his sister Denise with her husband Charbel Azar and their family … and to all the extend family and friends … all those who mourn his loss. We assure you of our ongoing prayers.”

The cathedral will hold condolences services on Thursday and Friday from 6pm to 9pm.

“As inquiries continue, police are urging anyone with dashcam footage or information about the incident to contact Blacktown police or Crime Stoppers,” the police said.

Read related topics:Sydney