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29 March 2024

Driver in Safa Park crash that killed triathlete Roy Nasr high: Police

Published
By Sneha May Francis with inputs from Majorie van Leijen

Drink driving is being cited as the cause behind another tragic fatal accident in Dubai.

Forty-nine-year-old Roy Nasr, a Dubai-based triathlete was killed after he was hit by a car near Safa Park during an early morning cycle ride on Friday.

Roy, who hails from Lebanon is survived by his wife and two children. Two other cyclists were also injured in the accident.

The accident occurred around 5.30-6.30am near Safa Park at a bridge that crosses over the Sheikh Zayed Road and the cyclists were hit by a car from behind.

According to sources from the Dubai Police, the driver of the car involved in the crash was highly intoxicated at the time. He is in police custody.

A day after the tragedy, the cycling community in Dubai gathered at the Qudra cycling track at 5.30am on Saturday morning to pay tribute to Roy. They all cycled wearing a black badge.

Many of Roy's friends and family expressed their shock and condolences through the social media.

“An inspiring athlete and humble personality,” wrote a Facebook friend.

“Extremely tragic and very sad news, the world has lost a great person. Heartfelt condolences to his loved ones,” wrote another.

On Twitter, a friend from the US wrote, “Saddened by the news of Roy Nasr's death in Dubai.”

Nasr had co-founded a triathlon group named Tri Dubai Club and had been titled Arab Triathlon champion in the past. At the 2011 World Triathlon Championships in Beijing, he came third.

The tragic news was first announced on the cycling group’s Facebook page.

“Our beloved Roy was killed this morning near Safa Park as he was doing his morning ride with Ali and Sarmad.

“He was hit from behind and died on impact.”

He was working as Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Abela and Co.

The Road Transport Authority (RTA) is in the process of building an exclusive 850-km cycling track in Dubai. The project recently completed its first phase.


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