Family of girl, 6, who died in Chinatown accident thanks people of S'pore & Indonesia for kindness

The family of six-year-old Sheyna Lashira Smaradiani, who passed away after a car accident in Chinatown on Feb. 6, has released a tribute expressing their love as well as gratitude towards those who showed them kindness in the face of the tragedy.

Sheyna, affectionately known to loved ones as “Nana”, had been on holiday in Singapore from Indonesia with her parents and two-year-old brother.

The girl and her mother, Raisha Anindra Pascasiswi, were crossing the road along South Bridge Road when the accident happened.

Nana died, and Raisha was also seriously injured.

Kindness of others

In the tribute, which was released by the family's lawyer, the family said they have been sustained by the kindness of others.

They extended their gratitude to both the people of Indonesia and Singapore.

In particular, they thanked the Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Singapore, Hotmangaradja Pandjaitan, for opening his home to Nana's father, Ashar Ardianto, giving him a place to grieve and gather himself.

They also thanked the Embassy of Indonesia in Singapore for their "unwavering support", as well as the team at the Singapore General Hospital who treated Raisha.

According to CNA, Raisha is out of the hospital, but the family says Raisha's journey toward recovery remains "long and arduous".

They also conveyed their appreciation to the Ascott Group, which provided accommodation for the family, describing it as a "sanctuary".

"To the people of Indonesia and Singapore, thank you from the bottom of our hearts... Thank you for being there when we could not stand on our own. Thank you for lifting your flags of compassion, love and humanity so high that this grieving family could rest beneath them when they had no strength left to stand."

Cherished

The family also described Nana as her parents' "heartbeat made visible".

The girl would often write letters of love for her mother, who would, in return, shower her with affection.

She is remembered as a "joyful" and "spirited" girl who was "deeply loved".

"There are no manuals, no precedents, no algorithms that can instruct a parent on how to endure the destruction of love of your child," the tribute said.

Top photos by Mothership and Instagram