AA Bay of Plenty family is mourning the sudden death of 36-year-old Pāpāmoa man Ramandeep Dhillon, who was killed in a two-vehicle crash while working as an Uber driver on the Te Puke Highway last week.
Police said the crash occurred about 7.15pm on Wednesday between Bell Road and Poplar Lane. One person died at the scene, while two occupants of the other vehicle were injured. The circumstances are still under investigation and have been referred to the Coroner.
Friends and family say Dhillon had left home earlier that evening after spending time with his wife, Veerpal Kaur, and their 18-month-old daughter, Kudrat, telling them he would return later for dinner. When he stopped responding to calls, concern grew before police arrived later that night to inform his wife of his death.
“I cried, I cried, I cried. I felt that my life is spoiled now,” Kaur was quoted as saying in NZ Herald.
Born in Punjab, India, Dhillon moved to New Zealand in 2015 on a student visa. He briefly returned to India in 2024 to marry Kaur after the pair met through family connections.
After their marriage, the couple settled in Pāpāmoa, where they worked in kiwifruit orchards before Dhillon later began driving for Uber to support the family and spend more time at home following the birth of their daughter.
Kaur said he chose the flexible work so he could be closer to his family, describing him as deeply devoted to his child.
“He was so excited when he found out he was going to be a dad.”
The couple named their daughter Kudrat, meaning “nature”, reflecting Dhillon’s love for the outdoors. Since his death, the toddler has reportedly continued asking where her father is.
Friends described Dhillon as a positive and family-oriented man who made time for his daughter even during work shifts.
“If he missed his daughter, he would come home, spend time with her, then go back to work,” a close friend told NZ Herald.
A Givealittle page set up by the family has raised more than $37,000 to help cover funeral costs, rent and living expenses as Kaur now faces life without her husband.
Dhillon’s funeral was held this week, Tuesday 20 May at Pyes Pa Memorial Park & Chapel at 11am, and drew mourners from across New Zealand, as loved ones continue to come to terms with his sudden death.
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