Home / Crime and Justice / Student Killed Praying on Road; Driver Avoids Jail
Student Killed Praying on Road; Driver Avoids Jail
12 Oct
Summary
- Student found praying on road for four minutes before fatal collision.
- Driver sentenced for hit-and-run death, avoiding immediate jail time.
- Other drivers and a police car successfully avoided the student.
An international student, Samia Malik, 20, tragically lost her life after being struck by a car while kneeling on a road in Adelaide in May 2025. For approximately four minutes, Malik was observed in what appeared to be a praying motion before being hit by a vehicle driven by Ashton Friend, also 20.
Friend, who had pleaded guilty to charges including death by careless use and leaving the scene, was sentenced to a suspended term of imprisonment and placed on a good-behavior bond. He expressed deep remorse for his actions and apologized to Malik's family, stating he would carry the burden of his failures lifelong.
The court heard that Friend did not realize he had struck a person, initially fearing he had hit an animal. Damage to his car was minimal, contributing to his assumption. He only understood his involvement after seeing news reports, prompting police to eventually identify and arrest him.
Notably, other drivers and a pursuing police car had successfully navigated around Malik on the road prior to the fatal incident. Friend was not under the influence of drugs or alcohol and was not speeding at the time of the collision.
