PANAJI
The shattered family, relatives and friends of young Shawn Fernandes, who was killed with his brother-in-law and a cousin in the horrific car crash at Porvorim, bade a tearful farewell to the 26-year-old at the St Anne’s Church in Parra on Tuesday.
Hundreds of people were present at the funeral of the youngster, who died instantly in the tragic self-accident at Porvorim in the wee hours of Sunday (September 3). His brother-in-law Valdrofe D’Souza and another cousin, Abigail D’Souza, also died in the crash, while Ninoshka Fernandes and Fiona D’Souza have been injured and are in the Goa Medical College & Hospital hospital (GMC).
Fr Dennis Fernandes, the main celebrant at the Mass, said he first came to know of the tragic mishap from one of Shawn’s cousins who sent a message: “Our family is shattered.”
“Indeed, death is a shattering and painful experience. Death is a reality that no one can avoid but our response to death is our faith,” Fr Fernandes said in his homily.
He urged the gathering to espouse the virtues of Shawn who was known to be a good human being.
In a tribute, his sister in a choked voice said: “Shawn is, was and will always be an inspiration to us and his memories will be in our thoughts forever. I remember his bright smile and humour for everyone he met. He was a supporting brother, a good neighbour and an amazing friend. Birthdays and night-outs would always excite him. The love and affection he shared with his 12 cousins was unmeasurable. His last supper was with his cousins.”
She also recounted that Shawn was very passionate about football and loved fishing.
Several of Shawn’s young friends from Anjuna and Vagator were present for the funeral.
Calangute MLA Michael Lobo and Siolim MLA Delilah Lobo attended the funeral. Former Aldona MLA Glen Ticlo, Deputy Sarpanch of Parra Daniel Lobo and several members of the panchayats from Parra, Verla-Canca and Assagao were also in attendance.
