UDUPI: Amidst downpour and sea of mourners, nurse
Hezel Josna Mathias, who died under mysterious circumstances in Saudi Arabia, two months ago was laid to rest at
Our Lady of Health Church in Shirva, Udupi.
Hundreds of people including relatives, parishioners, people’s representatives and near and dear ones of Hezel became a part of her last journey on Friday.
Gerald Isaac Lobo,
Bishop of Udupi Diocese was main celebrant and he was joined by a dozen of priests as co-celebrants.
After long wait of nearly two months, Josna who died on July 19 at Saudi Arabia, her mortal remains reached her hometown Shirva on Thursday and it was kept at mortuary. After persistent efforts of Consulate General of India, Jeddah, mortal remains of Late Hezel were flown to Bengaluru by flight No: GF 282 on September 26 and reached Bengaluru next day. From Bengaluru, it was transported through road to Udupi.
Hezel was working at Al Miqua General Hospital in Abha province, Jeddah, from the last six years. Her last conversation with her family members and husband was on July 19. Two days later, her family received the shocking news that she was no more. She married
Ashwin Mathias in December, 2015.
On behalf of Diocese of Udupi, Gerald Isaac Lobo paid condolences, while on part of state government Ivan D’Souza, MLC paid last tributes. Other dignitaries included Lalaji R Mendon, MLA, former minister Vinay Kumar Sorake and others took part in the funeral service.
“We are not yet come in terms with her death. After months mind mass, we are planning to take legal action against person who was responsible for my wife’s death. According to our knowledge, accused has been shielded and trying to get away by his crime,” reacted Ashwin Mathias, husband of Hezel, speaking to TOI.
He added that along with mortal remains, Saudi officials have sent a set of documents regarding her death. It is communicated to the family that she ended her life by committing suicide.