NRI Businessman from Navsari Dies After Being Punched in Oklahoma City

Navsari : Hemant Mistry, a 59-year-old NRI businessman from Navsari in Gujarat who operated a motel in Oklahoma City, USA, died of a brain hemorrhage after being assaulted by an American man over a small quarrel late Saturday night. The CCTV footage shows the American man striking Navsari-based NRI Hemant Mistry, causing him to fall and sustain fatal injuries.

Hemant Mistry, originally from Billimora in Navsari, had settled in Oklahoma City with his family and operated a 120-room motel. The tragic incident occurred at 10:30 p.m. on Saturday, when an unnamed young guy abandoned his suitcase on the grounds of Mistry’s motel. Mistry directed the young man to remove his stuff, which resulted in a minor scuffle. During the altercation, the youth hit Mistry, who collapsed unconscious on the ground.

Mistry’s relatives took him to a local hospital with severe head injuries. Despite the efforts of medical personnel, Mistry was declared brain dead within half an hour of arriving. The assailant, Richard Lewis, 41, was later identified by American authorities. Lewis was caught and arrested at a hotel on Meridian Avenue.

The CCTV footage of the event shows Mistry and Lewis fighting, which ends with Lewis punching Mistry, causing him to collapse. The video clearly shows the aggressive push and subsequent fall, emphasizing the attack’s suddenness and violence.

The news of Hemant Mistry’s death startled his family and friends in both the United States and his birthplace of Billimora. Mistry’s brother described the events, expressing the family’s grief at the senseless death. The incident has sparked concerns in the community about safety and the development of minor disagreements into violent confrontations.

Following the event, Richard Lewis was arrested and charged. The inquiry is still underway, with investigators scrutinizing CCTV footage and obtaining witness testimony to ensure a full probe of the events that led to Mistry’s death.

In a final act of generosity, Hemant Mistry stated his desire to give his organs. Following the completion of the organ donation process, his final rituals will be done in America to honour his wish to give life even in death.