Mander and Anam’s many plans for the future as they began their wedded life together ended in a single devastating moment.
Eight days after their wedding, on Oct. 21, 2018 at 12:25 a.m., the car in which Mander and his new wife were travelling home to Newmarket from Brampton was hit by another car, whose driver then fled the scene.
When emergency personnel responded, Anam Laiq-Virpal, 30, was pronounced dead at the scene.
“Mander was forced to sit next to his wife, with two broken legs, crying for her to wake up until paramedics could arrive,” his cousin, Marissa Combow said, speaking on behalf of Mander and their grieving families.
Mander, 31, was transported to the trauma centre at Sunnybrook Hospital, where he underwent five operations on his severely injured legs, Combow said.
He was recently transferred to a private rehabilitation institution, she added, where he faces months of healing and physical therapy to be able to walk again.
“His physical recovery has had very little improvement — he can't bear any weight on his left leg and very little weight on his right.”
While doctors have given Mander a rough estimate of his recovery timeline, there is much uncertainty about his future, Combow said.
“It could take months to a year or more for him to be able to walk successfully again. He will be off work for at least a year, likely longer.”
When he is discharged from rehab, if he is able to use crutches, he will be living with his parents, Combow said, otherwise, other arrangements will need to be made as their home is not wheelchair accessible.
All this, while trying to cope with the deeply tragic loss of his wife.
“They had so much planned for their future together and it was cut way too short,” Combow said. “She was the best partner that Mander could ever wish for. He's lost without her and can't imagine a future that doesn't include her.”
Combow has set up a GoFundMe page, Justice for Anam.
“In addition to his recovery, our family is working alongside police to ensure that the man driving the car that took Anam’s life will be prosecuted to the fullest extent,” she wrote.
“Our family is devastated by this heartbreaking tragedy. If you can find it in your heart to support Mander in his recovery and fight to ensure that justice is served for Anam, it would be greatly appreciated. May her beautiful soul rest in peace. Thank you,” Combow wrote.
In 16 days, 340 people have contributed $18,639 toward the $30,000 goal.
“Anam was the kindest soul you could ever meet. She was so selfless and had so much love to give,” Combow told NewmarketToday. “She loved being with her family and friends and she loved being an aunt to her young nieces and nephews.
“She always put everyone before herself, including Mander. After being together for years, their love was as strong as ever. She would do anything to make him happy, and he would do the same. We all miss Anam tremendously.”
The driver who left the scene of the crash, at Highway 50 and Castlemore Road, turned himself into Peel Regional Police three days later on Oct. 23. Walid Wakeel, 23, of Nobleton is charged with criminal negligence causing death, criminal negligence causing bodily harm, failing to remain at the scene of an accident causing death, and failing to remain at the scene of an accident causing bodily harm.
“We hope that the system will succeed in providing justice for our angel, Anam,” Combow wrote.
