Man describes when he tried to save couple after crash left 5 children orphaned

A gardener has spoken of when he tried to save a couple who were killed in a tragic motorcycle accident, leaving their five children orphaned.

Antonio Forsythe, 34, was one of the first people at the scene of the incident in which Mohammed Shahdab and Sheikala Razaq, both 39, died.

The alleged hit-and-run occurred on Fox Hollies Road in Birmingham’s Acocks Green area at 5:45 p.m. on June 5.

Both parents were traveling on the same motorbike and were pronounced dead at the scene, West Midlands police said.

A 47-year-old man, who was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, has been released pending further investigation.

Mr Forsythe, who witnessed the crash on Saturday, said he tried to administer CPR to the couple until paramedics arrived, Birmingham live reports.

He explained, “I was the first person to reach them. My phone was dead but luckily 10 seconds later a few other people came. They must have heard the bang.

“I was the one who put them in the recovery position. Everyone was a little worried because they were in the wrong direction. People were panicking because we didn’t want to hurt them.

“It was traumatic. I had never seen them before, they were two strangers. I tried to save their lives, but I couldn’t.”

Antonio, who goes through CitizenX on social media, said he felt “guilty” for not being able to save the couple.

He now calls for the installation of speed bumps on the site and for better education in road safety to prevent another life from being lost.

“I wrote to my MP and posted articles online about writing a petition,” Antonio said. “I think we also need better road safety and education measures.

“I met someone this morning who told me that there had been an accident some time ago. This is the fifth or sixth accident on this road that I have seen since the beginning of the year. . “

He said children who lost their parents in the latest crash need to know something is done.

The fatal accident left Mohammed and Sheikala’s children orphans and a GoFundMe page was created on Sunday by cousin Waqar Hussain.

Donations for children have already exceeded £ 178,000.

Mr Hussain posted on the GoFundMe page: “Yesterday (6/5/2021) we lost our dearest cousins ​​Shadab and his wife in a tragic motorcycle accident in Acocks Green, Birmingham (UK).

“Both were a pillar of strength for their surviving family and were much loved, respected and honest human beings within the community.

“This is a tragic loss for our whole family and unfortunately Shadab and his wife leave 5 girls aged 5 to 17 orphaned because of this huge tragedy.

“Losing a parent is quite tragic, but losing both at the same time is just heartbreaking and unimaginable.

“This page will fund me is to help raise funds to support their five young daughters.”

At the scene of the incident on Monday, many floral tributes could be seen at the foot of a lamppost and a tree.

A tribute said, “May you both rest in eternal peace. A tragic end to your beautiful lives. Bless you both.”

Another said: “Although we are far away, we will keep you close to us in our thoughts and in our hearts. We will miss you but never forget you.

“You have captured a place in our hearts.”

Police said the circumstances of the crash remained unclear and urged all witnesses or anyone with information to contact them.

Officers previously said a blue Saab may have been involved, but left the scene.

The force said officers were reviewing CCTV but wanted more footage.

To donate to fundraising, click here.