Avondale, Auckland, New Zealand: An Indian-origin man has died in New Zealand after being struck by a vehicle while cycling home.

Bhupesh Patel was critically injured after being hit by a vehicle on Rosebank Road in Avondale, Auckland, at around 3.50 pm on September 2. He died in hospital on September 5 from injuries sustained in the crash.

Patel was a husband and father of two young boys. His colleagues at JMP Engineering remembered him as a kind, generous and dedicated member of the team.

According to a fundraising campaign organised by his friends and colleagues, Patel had left work earlier than usual on the day of the crash so he could return home in time to take his sons to their Kempo class.

“Tragically, he was struck by a vehicle before he made it home,” the fundraising campaign, established on September 7, said.

The campaign launched to support Patel’s family following his sudden death has received significant support from the community, with more than $33,000 raised.

Patel’s colleagues described him as someone who was always willing to help others. They also remembered his warmth, humour and friendship, along with his professional ability and dedication.

According to the fundraising campaign, all money raised will go directly to Patel’s family to help them manage the immediate and ongoing financial pressures following his death.