The sudden loss of St. John’s boy Mohammed, who was struck by a car while riding his bike, has sparked an overwhelming wave of support province-widePublished Jun 10, 2025 • Last updated 29 minutes ago • 5 minute readMohammed Al Sherif at his kindergarten graduation.On June 2, seven-year-old Mohammed Al Sherif was struck by a car while riding his bicycle in the east end of St. John’s. After two days in intensive care, the young boy passed away from his injuries. Mohammed is survived by his parents, Anma and Ahmed, and his four siblings: Hussein, Yasmin Nasayem and Yasin.He was laid to rest on June 6, leaving his family and community devastated by grief.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle content Mohammed Al Sherif on a sunny hike. CONTRIBUTEDThe Al Sherif family, who arrived in Newfoundland in 2016 after experiencing conflict in their homeland, had already endured immense hardship. Now, as they continue to grieve this harrowing loss, the community has rallied to support the family, who are facing unexpected costs following the funeral. A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to help cover these expenses. FONDLY REMEMBERED For Paul Gauci, who has known Mohammed since his birth, the loss is particularly deep. Gauci is part of the sponsor family that brought the Al Sherif family to Canada, facilitating their reunion with Amna’s parents and siblings, who had arrived earlier that same year. Paul Gauci, Mohammed Al Sherif and his siblings, Hussein, Nasayem and Yasmin CONTRIBUTED“We were very happy to do that,” Gauci recalled, reflecting on the family’s arrival. “He was a quintessential little boy. He liked ice cream at Signal Hill in the summertime, and he liked riding his bike, and playing Nintendo.” Article contentGauci, who lives in close proximity to the Al Sherifs, had frequent visits from Mohammed and his brother, Hussein.“Very often, he and his brother would bike over to my place and have pizza, play ping pong and Nintendo,” Gauci shared. “He just loved all the things that a little kid does.” Mohammed was one of five siblings, adored by his older brothers and sisters. Mohammed Al Sherif with his bike. CONTRIBUTEDSHARED GRIEF The mourning period has been exceptionally difficult for the family and the sponsorship group. “Certainly, us as a sponsorship group, we feel it very deeply, given the fact that we’ve known Mohammed his whole life,” said Gauci. During visits to the Al Sherif home, Gauci observed a continuous flow of support. “There’s always food coming, people visiting and just being with the family,” he said. Conversations revolved around cherished memories, with stories of Mohammed running around and the strong, loving bond he shared with his siblings.Article content Brothers Mohammed and Hussein Al Sherif together. CONTRIBUTEDDespite the immense pain, the family is drawing strength from their tight-knit Syrian community. Gauci also noted the outpouring of concern from the wider public. “I work locally, and I get a lot of people asking how they can help and or how the family is doing,” he said. “There’s certainly so much concern for the family, and that’s lovely to see.” LINGERING MEMORIESFor Gauci, memories of Mohammed weren’t defined by a single moment, but rather by a collection of cherished interactions. He described how he would often receive WhatsApp messages from Anma, letting him know he was outside his house. Paul Gauci, Ahmed Al Sherif and Mohammed at the little boy’s kindergarten graduation. CONTRIBUTEDIf Gauci wasn’t home, a voice recording would soon follow: “Uncle Paul, where are you? I miss you.” Gauci recalled that Mohammed was “such a lovely boy,” and the voice recordings, though difficult to hear now, will always remain on his phone as a reminder of him.Article contentEMBRACING CANADA Gauci has witnessed the remarkable growth and adaptation of the Al Sherif family since their arrival in NL. Amna has dedicated herself to education and professional development, continually looking for better positions and meeting new people. Ahmed has embraced various customer service roles, where his engaging personality shines. The Al Sherif children have also flourished, progressing through elementary, junior high, and high school. The oldest has now graduated high school and is attending university. Mohammed with his brothers Yasin and Hussein. CONTRIBUTEDGauci emphasized that the family had been “really embraced by the community” and had “taken advantage of doing all the things that Canada has to offer.” A particularly striking aspect for Gauci was the family’s profound love for Canada, now their home. With the exception of Mohammed, who was born in Canada, all family members had obtained their Canadian citizenship. Article contentGauci recalled Ahmed’s immense pride when he became a citizen, sharing the moment with their sponsors at the ceremony. Anma, Ahmed, Halima, Samira and Hussein Al Sherif at Ahmed’s citizenship ceremony CONTRIBUTED“To be involved in something like that is so beautiful to see everyone standing up, speaking allegiance to the country and how they’re a part of the fabric of community and the country now,” Gauci said, “it really is truly beautiful.” LASTING COMFORT In the wake of Mohammed’s passing, the overwhelming show of support had been a source of comfort for the Al Sherif family. Mohammed and Hussein Al Sherif. CONTRIBUTEDBeyond material donations, the gift of time had been invaluable. Gauci had spent a lot of time with Amna and Ahmed over the past week at their home and at the mosque. He observed neighbours simply walking in and spending time with the family, sometimes just sitting in quiet companionship. Gauci sensed that this presence meant a great deal to the Al Sherifs, and he believed they truly appreciated seeing members of the community come out to be with them during this difficult time. MESSAGES OF SUPPORTConstanza Safatle, owner of Newbornlander and colleague of Amna, shared that their team received over 300 messages from across the province.Article content“For me, it was really impactful,” she said. “As an immigrant, many times we don’t realize how much our community is supported.” While the tragedy touched everyone in the province, Safatle said it was especially meaningful to see support from people who didn’t know Amna personally. “Newbornlander’s following is generally moms, since we sell baby accessories, so I feel everyone was really shocked by the news, but many sent messages.” Anma Al Sherif at Newbornlander. CONTRIBUTEDTo ensure Amna felt that support, the team printed the hundreds of messages they had received through emails, social media, and other channels. These messages of condolences and support were presented to Amna on the day of Mohammed’s funeral, alongside letters from the team.“We wanted to let her know the province is behind her, praying for her child, and that the family is not alone,” Safatle explained. Article contentRead More UPDATED Little boy hit by SUV while riding bike in St. John’s June 2 has died, RNC says UPDATED Child taken to hospital in critical condition Monday night after being struck by vehicle in east-end St. John’s BRIDGING DISTANCESSafatle acknowledged the unique challenges immigrant families face when dealing with tragedy far from extended relatives. “I imagine when something like this happens, you want to have help from your parents, so I feel this is very hard.”While Anma’s parents are here in St. John’s, Ahmed’s mother is still in Syria. “There is a beautiful Muslim community here who support each other,” said Safatle. Constanza Safatle with ‘Sewing Hope’ participants, including Anma (fifth from left), at Newbornlander. CONTRIBUTED“When tragic things happen, the only thing you have in your new home, your new country, is your community. They are your family.” With more people arriving from different countries and cultures, Safatle said it’s essential to provide places to practice faith and traditions. “It makes you feel that you’re in a different home, but you are home, she said.She added, “We will do everything that we can to make Anma smile again in time.” Article content
He was a quintessential little boy: Remembering Mohammed Al Sherif, the St. John’s child struck by vehicle while bicycling
