Brother of woman killed by speeding driver reveals family's 'devastation'

The brother of a nursing student killed by a speeding driver in Glasgow has spoken of the family’s “devastation” and how the tragedy will always “remain in our hearts and minds”.

Chinenye Okonkwo died after being hit by an Audi A4 that mounted the pavement as she waited to cross a road in Glasgow city centre in February 2023.

The 33-year-old, who was studying Public Health at Glasgow Caledonian University, was crushed between railings and the front of the car.

The driver, Akbar Razaq, who was going at double the 30mph speed limit, was jailed for more than three years last week.

Speaking to STV News, Chinenye’s brother, Henry, revealed how the incident impacted their family.

He said, “Her dreams being cut short by this unfortunate incident will always remain in our hearts and minds because she truly had a very big dream. Being a nurse, getting a house, and getting that degree was something that she wanted at all costs.

“When you see a young girl with such dreams, you need to support her and help her achieve them, but unfortunately, this happened.”

Nigerian-born Chinenye had moved to the UK in 2022 to study in Glasgow, and had recently started a part-time job at a nursing home in the city’s east end.

She was walking on her way to start a shift when she was hit in the fatal crash.

Henry continued: “We were so happy with her achievements in such a short time, then not even two months later, we lost her.

“It broke my parents, my mum fell ill, my dad, who is in his 70s, also fell ill, and he was so weak. When this news broke to them, they just broke down; everyone was devastated.

“All we could do was try to keep ourselves strong.”

Razaq was sentenced at the High Court in Glasgow on Thursday having earlier admitted to a charge of causing death by dangerous driving.

Lord Mulholland jailed him for three years and four months and banned him from the road for eight years and two months.

Henry believes his sister got the justice she deserved as the family now begins a healing process.

He said: “After the hearing, I spoke with my parents and told them the outcome, and I explained it to them, which was really emotional.

“I believe that we have given Chinenye the justice that she deserved.

“Families don’t want to remember certain things for a long time, they just want to move away from it and get better, so there is a long way to go but I do believe we can get better.”