A recent arrival to New Zealand has been left without financial or family support following the sudden death of her husband in a freak accident at their home.
Paradeep Singh, known to those close to him as Deep, died yesterday while performing general maintenance and yard work at the couple’s property in Cambridge. He was working outside with others on a day off when the incident occurred.
A spokesperson for the couple’s friends and family told 1News that a branch struck Singh on the left side of his head, likely causing internal damage. Although those nearby rushed to help after hearing him yell and contacted emergency services, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
St John confirmed the dispatch of an operations manager and a rapid response unit to the scene yesterday.
A family left vulnerable
The tragedy has left Singh’s wife, Kamal, in a precarious position. Having moved to New Zealand recently to be with her husband, the couple married approximately six months ago. With both her and Singh’s relatives based in India, Kamal has no immediate family in the country to lean on.
Beyond the emotional toll, the loss creates an immediate financial crisis. Singh had lived in New Zealand for three years and served as the sole income earner for the couple. He also provided essential financial support to his elderly parents in India, including his mother, who is paralysed.
The spokesperson noted the severity of Kamal’s situation, stating, “She came here for him. She has no income source, no money, she hasn’t even from my understanding opened a bank account yet.”
The couple had been looking toward a future in New Zealand, with plans to apply for residency and eventually return to India to celebrate their marriage with a larger wedding ceremony involving their families.
Community response and next steps
In the wake of the accident, neighbors and witnesses have stepped in to assist. Friends of the couple have launched a Givealittle page to raise funds to support Singh’s family and help Kamal return his body to India for funeral rites.
The spokesperson emphasized that the family is facing “unimaginable grief” and is in urgent need of support, while noting that the local community has been fortunate to have people supporting Kamal through the tragedy.
Given the couple’s interrupted plans, Kamal may face significant challenges regarding her residency status and financial stability. The success of the community fundraising efforts could be a critical factor in whether the family is able to afford the costs of repatriation and provide ongoing care for Singh’s parents in India.
