The father killed in an accident in North Carolina had fled Ukraine to come to the United States; driver charged had 3 prior DWI charges
CLAYTON, NC (WNCN) – The man killed by an accused impaired driver along US 70 Business ner Clayton Monday is remembered by friends and family as a driven father and husband from Ukraine to the States United to create a better life.
A family friend, Alex Bloom, helped Yurii Vakhniak start an Illinois-based haulage business shipping cars across the United States.
Man faces felony charge after 1 killed in crash near Clayton, officials say
“He was a great guy who gave his all to friends and family,” Bloom said. “He was like a big, soft, friendly teddy bear.”
Vakhniak died Monday after being hit by a car while loading cars in Johnston County, North Carolina.
Bloom said he leaves behind a wife and two children.
“He named his business after his daughter. Her company is called Anastasia Services Inc.,” Bloom said. “These guys work day and night to support their families, grow a business and achieve the American dream. They didn’t come here to die, they came here to escape death.
The driver, Seydina Ndiaye, 26, is now charged with the crime of death by vehicle.
Ndiaye was driving with a revoked license following a long list of traffic violations, which include three additional DWIs, one from 2015 and two more currently pending from last year while driving impaired in Clayton and in Raleigh, according to court documents.
He also had numerous speeding and driving offenses on revoked license charges.
“We were all a bit shocked that this person was still on the street,” Bloom said. “We want to make sure he doesn’t kill another friend of ours.”
In an outpouring of support, more than $27,500 had been raised by Friday afternoon for Vakhniak’s family and funeral expenses in an online fundraiser.
