from Rons Bantwal
for Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai (GA)

Mumbai, Aug 20: Leo Joseph Fernandes (39), a native of Kallianpur who was working in Mumbai, breathed his last in KLE Hospital at Belgaum, after sustaining serious injuries in a road accident at Hirebagewadi near Belgaum on Tuesday August 19 afternoon.

Leo was on his way to Kallianpur to attend the funeral services of his father who had passed away on Friday August 15. Leo, along with his elder brother Peter Ronald Fernandes (48), sister Eliza Marina Mathias, brother-in-law John Mathias and nephew Erol Mathias, had set out on a Maruti Esteem car from Mumbai on Friday night.

Their car met with an accident when it hit a tanker from behind after the tanker driver abruptly applied brakes without giving any signal near Hirebagewadi. Peter who was driving the car, though made last ditch effort to avoid a crash, it was too late and car hit the stationary tanker from behind.  As a result Leo and Peter sustained serious injuries and were admitted to KLE hospital. However, Leo breathed his last on Tuesday afternoon.  Peter, who too has sustained serious injuries, is still fighting for life in KLE hospital.  Their sister, brother-in-law and nephew have escaped with minor injuries.

Leo, who was working as car driver in British consulate at Bandra in Mumbai, is survived by wife Cynthia Fernandes, daughters Joylin (8) and Jenifer (5).  His eldest daughter Joylin was slated to receive 'First Communion' in the month of November and Leo was busy preparing for the same. He was also the active member of St Anthony Association, Bycula.

Leo's mortal remains are being brought to his native at Kallianpur where he will be laid to rest at Milagres church cemetery on Thursday August 21.

The members and office-bearers of Federation of Maharstra, Maharastra's Canara Catholic Association have condoled the sudden demise of Leo Fernandes.