Just seven days after a routine trip to pick up her children from school turned into a life-threatening collision, a 43-year-old Sydney mother has succumbed to her injuries, leaving her family and local community in deep mourning.
Nurhayati Pamungkas was struck by a moving vehicle on The Boulevarde in Lakemba, a suburb in Sydney’s west, on the afternoon of July 28 while en route to collect her two young kids from school. First responders rushed her to a local hospital immediately after the crash, where medical teams placed her in an induced coma to treat her critical injuries. On Monday evening, Pamungkas passed away at Liverpool Hospital, with her husband Agung and their two children by her side, New South Wales Police confirmed this week.
The crash also injured a second pedestrian, a 64-year-old man who was transported to St George Hospital for ongoing care. The 82-year-old driver of the vehicle involved in the incident was also taken to hospital for mandatory medical assessment, with no further details on their condition released as of Tuesday.
In the wake of the tragedy, the local community has rallied around Pamungkas’ grieving family, who face an uncertain future after the sudden loss of their wife and mother. A GoFundMe fundraiser was organized by Dicks Hotel in Balmain, where Pamungkas’ husband has served as the popular head chef for more than five years. As of Tuesday afternoon, 650 individual donors had contributed a total of $53,500 to support the family with upcoming living and funeral costs.
Writing on the fundraising page, hotel owner Elia Economou noted that the entire trajectory of the family’s life was upended in an instant. “In a matter of seconds, the life she and her husband Agung had worked so hard to build was turned upside down,” he wrote. “Many people know Agung as the much-loved chef from Dick’s Hotel and Apache Salut, where he has quietly looked after people through food, smiles and friendship for more than five years. The days ahead are filled with uncertainty. What isn’t uncertain is they are going to need help.”
A public statement posted to Dicks Hotel’s official Facebook page confirmed Pamungkas’ passing and expressed gratitude for the outpouring of community support. “We are heartbroken to share that Nurhayati has sadly passed away,” the statement reads. “Agung, our head chef, and their two children were by her side, but her injuries were just too severe. In the midst of unimaginable grief, your kindness has been overwhelming. Please keep Agung and his family in your thoughts as they begin to navigate life without their beautiful wife and mum.”
As investigations into the crash continue, NSW Police have issued a public appeal for any witnesses or bystanders with relevant footage to come forward to assist with the inquiry. “Just before 1pm on Tuesday, July 28, emergency services were called to The Boulevarde, Lakemba, following reports two pedestrians had been struck by a vehicle,” the police statement reads. “Anyone with information or dashcam footage is urged to contact police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.”