A grieving nephew has shared a heartfelt message following the tragic death of his uncle who was killed in a motorcycle accident after hitting a pothole in Kota Kinabalu. 

The incident has left his wife and three young children grappling with an unimaginable loss, just days after what would have been their wedding anniversary on February 2.

Reflecting on memories of his uncle, the nephew recalled how they had planned to sell burgers again at next year’s Kaamatan festival. 

Their last conversation still echoes in his mind. Every time he steps into the kitchen, he sees the spot where his uncle used to sit, cutting cabbage, and the yellow knife he always used. The weight of loss settles in—his legs go weak, and denial creeps in.

“This still doesn’t feel real,” he admitted, struggling to process the sudden loss.

The family had experienced death before, but nothing could prepare them for the shock of losing a loved one so unexpectedly. 

The nephew described the stark reality of seeing someone leave home healthy and full of life, only to return as a lifeless body.

A video call with his aunt only deepened the pain. Her swollen eyes, the result of hours of crying, told the story of her grief. Their eldest child, just 12 years old, sobbed for his father. 

The younger two, still too little to fully understand, were left clinging to their mother.

“You have to stay strong,” the nephew told his aunt repeatedly. She nodded, her voice breaking. “I don’t know how this could have happened,” she whispered.

His aunt recounted the final moments before the accident. That morning, the victim kissed and hugged his children before heading out. “He was just making a delivery,” she said. “He worked as a runner, but I don’t understand how this happened.”

The nephew couldn’t stop thinking about the children. They used to rush to the door every time their father came home from work, their excitement infectious.

The youngest would often climb onto his lap, seeking comfort in his arms. The victim is known for his cooking skills, always made sure his children were well-fed. Now, the home felt emptier.

There was a painful truth in what people often said—“We can be careful, but sometimes the world isn’t as safe as we hope it to be.”

Now, the family must find a way forward. “Uncle, you go ahead first. Watch over your children, watch over Auntie. Protect them as they navigate life without you. One day, we’ll all be together again.”

In his final tribute, the nephew wished for another lifetime where his uncle would still be a part of his family. “Thank you for taking care of Auntie and my little cousins so well.”