Tributes pour in for 23-year-old charity worker who died in car crash

“He was a true humanitarian”

Owess Munir, 23, tragically died after his Lexus ploughed into a tree

An entire community is mourning the death of an avid young charity worker who was making his way home after a fundraiser.

Owess Munir, from Cardiff, had been in attending a charity event in Manchester on Sunday 2nd September. The grey Lexus IS 220 he was driving left the carriageway and ploughed into a tree, at around 12.25am in the early hours of Monday morning.

Emergency crews were scrambled to the scene at Princess Parkway, near to the junction of Palatine Road in Northenden, but Mr Munir was pronounced dead at the scene.

Three men who were passengers in the vehicle were taken to hospital suffering from various injuries and the road was closed for several hours.

Described as a “selfless human being”, Owess had worked as a volunteer and staff member for the international aid and development charity Islamic Relief since he was 16-years-old.

Being the Wales regional Community Fundraising and Volunteer Officer, Owess was one of the charity’s tireless workers and had recently returned from an aid trip helping Syrian refugees.

Sultan Ahmed, Islamic Relief’s spokesperson said that staff, volunteers and anyone that had worked with Owess were ‘devastated’ with the news of his tragic death.

“We offer our sincere and heartfelt condolences and prayers to his parents and younger siblings,” said Mr Ahmed.

“Owess wasn't just a member of the team, but our little brother, a beloved and valued member of the Islamic Relief family.

“He was known as someone who will always go the extra mile and would never say no to a request for help.
 
“He was very popular with all his colleagues, and was well known for his infectious positivity. He always went out of his way to make volunteers feel loved and supported.”
 

Owess Munir with his Islamic Relief family

Owess started volunteering with Islamic Relief in 2011 aged just 16, supporting the fundraising efforts of the organisation.

He got involved in the Cakes 4 Syria Campaign, street collections, fundraising dinners and raising funds for several emergencies, helping to improve the lives of thousands of vulnerable people around the world.

He then became a staff member in the fundraising team two years ago.

Owess Munir was a dedicated aid worker

“Owess always showed extreme dedication to charitable causes, both overseas and in his home town of Cardiff, and touched the lives of countless people,” adds Mr Ahmed.

“In February this year, he travelled to Jordan to help Islamic Relief deliver blankets and warm clothing to Syrian refugees.

“He was a true humanitarian who devoted his life to serve those in need and to inspire young and old to do the same.

“Owess worked extremely hard for Islamic Relief, but also found time to support many other organisations in his spare time. In fact, shortly before his tragic accident, Owess had travelled to Manchester to help with a fundraising event hosted by another charity. This sums up Owess; he would go out of his way to support people doing good work for those in need. He was a selfless person who leaves this world having made his mark on so many people’s lives around the world. He will be sorely missed, but fondly remembered.