Nigerian Man Killed by Drunk Driver Within Weeks of Arriving US

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A Nigerian man, Patrick Ohanta, was killed by a drunk driver barely six weeks after his arrival in the United States of America.

The 45-year-old University of Ibadan alumni was hit and killed by a car driven by the drunk driver while walking home after a job interview at about 5.20pm, on May 3.

The funeral date has been tentatively scheduled for June 24, his family anounced in a statement on June 3.

According to the police, Patrick fondly called “Pato” by friends was attempting to cross the Curtis-Coleman Bridge on foot when he was struck by the 29-year-old man, David Slaughter.

The Alexandria Police Department said Slaughter was driving on the bridge when he drove onto the shoulder and hit the victim. Patrick was pronounced dead at the scene.

Slaughter was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated (fourth offence), operating a vehicle while under suspension, reckless operation of a vehicle and vehicular homicide. APD said impairment is believed to be a factor in this incident.

It was gathered that Patrick and his wife arrived in the US from Nigeria on March 19, barely six weeks before the accident occurred.

Meanwhile, a GoFundMe to support Patrick’s wife and family for the funeral arrangement has been opened by friends.