A schoolgirl and her father who died after a catastrophic five-car collision will be remembered by loved ones at a heartbreaking funeral service on Friday.
Father-of-nine David Drozd was driving his family in a Kia Carnival from their home in the Blue Mountains to Dubbo when disaster struck.
Police have said an Isuzu D-Max towing a motorcycle trailer was traveling eastbound when it collided with a Toyota HiLux traveling in the opposite direction near Lithgow on December 29.
At the funeral of David Drozd and his daughter Lydia (photo), photos of many beautiful moments together were shown
The family’s former pastor, Wayne Rabot, began the moving service, which was described as a “celebration service”
Before the service, the coffins of father and daughter were placed next to each other
Lydia, just 11 years old, died in hospital a week after the accident, despite doctors’ attempts to save her
“We are celebrating two lives well lived and it is also a celebration because the Lord of Glory has done and continues to do great things through this great loss,” Pastor Wayne Rabot said.
The family were on their way to visit the eldest Drozd daughter in Dubbo for a gender reveal party. The baby would be Mr. Drozd’s first grandchild
The Toyota then collided with a third car, while the Isuzu crashed head-on into the Drozd’s Kia, killing Mr Drozd and another father, Jason McMahon.
Lydia Drozd, only 11 years old, died in hospital a week later, despite doctors’ attempts to save her. She was two months away from her 12th birthday.
The family’s former pastor, Wayne Rabot, began the moving service, which was described as a “celebration service.”
“We are celebrating two lives well lived and it is also a celebration because the Lord of Glory has done and continues to do great things through this great loss,” he said.
The family were on their way to visit the eldest Drozd daughter in Dubbo for a gender reveal party. The baby would be Mr. Drozd’s first grandchild.
Fifteen people were injured in the collision, including four of Lydia’s sisters who were rushed to hospital in serious conditions.
Mr. Drozd was a deeply religious man who was a lay preacher. His family released a statement describing him as a “committed Christian and leader in his church, and a loving and dedicated father.”
Mr. Drozd was a deeply religious man who was a lay preacher. His family released a statement describing him as a “committed Christian and leader in his church, and a loving and dedicated father.”
Lydia died a month before her 12th birthday after being fatally injured in the accident on December 29
He was also director of a traffic consultancy and had worked as an expert for Penrith and Blacktown councils.
Deeply involved in the community, tributes poured in for the couple.
“I have had the privilege of spending some time with this beautiful family in the midst of their heartbreaking loss,” said Blue Mountains Mayor Mark Greenhill.
“David has done incredible work for our community, making our roads safer for others. His service will continue.
‘For me, the loss of a child is a pain that I cannot understand. Combined with the loss of a husband and father, the impact is enormous.’
A GoFundMe campaign to support Mr. Drozd’s wife, Nicole, and her eight children has raised nearly $100,000
People gather on Friday for the funeral of father and daughter