Muhammad Usman: WA public raises more than $110,000 for Uber driver seriously injured in deadly Dalkeith crash

The WA public has rallied behind the 25-year-old Uber driver seriously injured in a deadly Dalkeith crash, raising more than $110,000 in less than 24 hours. And the family of Elizabeth Pearce — who was killed in the crash — have set up a fund in honour of the 24-year-old marine biology graduate. Muhammad Usman sustained two broken femurs and a broken arm after Rhys Bellinge’s speeding Jaguar allegedly crashed into the rideshare vehicle about 10.15pm on February 15. Ms Pearce, the 24-year-old passenger in the Uber, was rushed to Royal Perth Hospital where she died. Mr Usman was placed in an induced coma at RPH and was fighting for his life for several days. The Pakistan-born driver was moved from intensive care last Wednesday before being eased out of the coma. Mr Usman — who is an eldest child and has no family in Australia — created a GoFundMe organiser on Tuesday evening asking the public for financial support and prayers after his life took a “devastating turn”. As of Wednesday afternoon, the GoFundMe has raised $114,200 from more than 2200 donors. Mr Usman has since disabled the fundraiser from receiving any new donations. However, people are still able to contribute Ms Pearce’s fundraiser which was established through the University of Western Australia — ahead of her funeral on March 6. Premier Roger Cook said the success of Mr Usman’s fundraiser had “warmed his heart”. “I think that the poor old driver was one of the forgotten people in this horrible accident . . . obviously we’ve lost a life and that is horrible and dreadful, and those families continue to hurt today and nothing can replace their loss,” he said on Wednesday. “I’m just so delighted and so proud of the Western Australian public who have now gathered around and put their arms around this young man to make sure he continues to have the support he needs in what is going to be a long recovery for him.” Mr Cook thanked hospital staff and asked West Australian’s to “spare a thought” for Mr Usmam. “Can I also thank the doctors and nurses who have looked after him and done such an amazing job putting his body back together after this horrible accident,” he said. Mr Usman said he had been scheduled to attend a job interview two days after the accident. He had recently graduated from Edith Cowan University with a civil engineering degree. “Sadly, my life took a devastating turn when I was involved in a major motor vehicle accident,” Mr Usman said on Tuesday. “I sustained severe injuries, including both broken legs and a fractured dominant hand. “I am currently hospitalised and face a long, challenging road to recovery. “In this time of immense hardship, I am reaching out for your support to help me and my family cover long-term family support, daily living costs, and other financial burdens. “Additionally, I am trying to bring my parents or at least one of them to Australia to provide the emotional support I desperately need during this difficult time, as I do not have any family in Australia. “Please keep me in your prayers, and if you are able, consider contributing to my recovery fund. “Your generosity will mean the world to me and my family during this challenging time.” Mr Usman has also worked as a disability support worker and said he was “always striving to support others”. “Now, I humbly ask for your help,” he said. “Keep me in your thoughts and prayers as I fight this long journey of my recovery. “Thank you for your compassion and generosity. Your support can help me rebuild my life.” Dr Bellinge — an obstetrician at Concept Obstetrics and Gynaecology — was allegedly speeding and was almost four times the legal blood alcohol limit. He has been charged with manslaughter and dangerous driving causing grievous bodily harm in circumstances of aggravation and was denied bail last Wednesday. The 45-year-old doctor was driving from the Nedlands home of his estranged wife Juli to his father’s mansion on Jutland Parade, Dalkeith — just 1.5km away — when his Jaguar hit a kerb and lost control on Birdwood Parade, veering onto the wrong side of the road, crashing into Mr Usman’s Uber. Dr Bellinge is accused of reaching speeds of 130km/h before impact and having a blood alcohol reading of 0.183. An Uber spokesperson said they had “extended our deepest condolences to the victims and their families”. “This is a tragic and shocking occurrence, and we extend our deepest condolences to the victims and their families,” the spokesperson said. “We will be reaching out to them to offer our support where appropriate, and we are cooperating fully with the authorities as they investigate this incident.”