Student killed in hit and run remembered for putting a smile on co-workers' faces

Before Jibin Benoy left work early Sunday morning, he reminded his co-workers to drive home safely. 

The 29-year-old then mounted his bicycle and headed from London's downtown toward the city's east end. For the past 10 months, the early 4 a.m. commute home from his part-time job at Kluck It, a fried chicken restaurant, had been just another part of the international student's busy routine. 

Benoy's boss, Ibraheem Halbouni, told CBC News that Benoy rode alongside another co-worker that morning who travelled on a scooter. Halbouni said that shortly after the two parted ways on Hamilton Road, Benoy was suddenly struck by a vehicle and killed. 

"It was devastating," said Halbouni. "We were all in shock because we see the guy every day. This guy wouldn't hurt a fly." 

While London police have not confirmed the identity of the victim, they issued a release saying they were called to the area of Hamilton Road and Little Grey Street between 4:30 to 4:45 a.m. Sunday morning.

They are appealing to anyone who may have dashcam footage or information on the incident, and say the suspect vehicle may be a dark-coloured sedan with significant damage to the front end, hood and windshield. 

Benoy was in his second year studying operations management at Fanshawe College, said Halbouni. He had moved from Kerala, India, and was planning to bring his wife here to start a life together in Canada. 

"He put a smile on everybody's face," said Halbouni. "Jibin was one of those guys who would be joking with us while we're working, sitting with us on his break. Always a positive guy, very patient." 

There are currently two Gofundme campaigns made to help Benoy's family. Halbouni has organized one, and another has been organized by the London Ontario Malayalee Association. 

On Monday morning, the St. Mary's Syro-Malabar Catholic Church held a service in Benoy's memory. While Benoy did not attend that specific parish, trustee Dino Jose said the religious community is tight knit across the world and stands with Benoy's family during a difficult time. 

"The loss of Jibin Benoy is a huge loss for our entire Kerala community," said Jose. "We are feeling like we are not safe here because he was travelling from his work to his home." 

'Not enough' separated lanes in London

Cycling advocate Molly Miksa, who serves as executive director for London Cycle Link, said the cycling community is unnerved by the incident, which she described as "appalling." She said the city needs to do more to make cycling safe at all times. 

"There are more separated lanes than there were five years ago," said Miksa. "It's still not enough. I really dearly hope that the incoming city council will take these issues seriously." 

Speeding alongside Hamilton Road has also been a point of contention for those living in the area. Just before Benoy's death, resident Andrea Johnson said she and around 30 others signed a petition urging city hall to take stricter measures to prevent excessive speeding and high-risk driving. 

"It's at all hours of the day and night. It's particularly worse on things like summer long weekends," said Johnson. 

She said she hopes the city would heed the community's calls for more enforcement for reckless driving, which she said plagues the neighbourhood.