Community rallies behind elementary school teacher hurt in fatal crash in Kelowna

Photo: Tania Paneet

We are learning more about the person injured in a fatal single-vehicle collision in Kelowna over last weekend that left the driver dead and the passenger in hospital.

The 28-year-old male driver from Surrey was pronounced deceased at the scene. The 28-year-old female passenger, Prab Kohar, was extracted from the vehicle and transported to hospital in serious, life-threatening condition.

Kohar's cousin, Tania Paneet, tells Castanet the 28-year-old is a beloved elementary school teacher and is facing a long uphill recovery, "she is adored by all the lives she has come across. She has a passion for teaching and helping others. Prab has always been a selfless individual who needs your help now. "

Paneet says her cousin, "radiates love and positivity."

Now Kohar is fighting for her life at Vancouver General Hospital, with severe third-degree burns on her upper body and face so the family has started a GoFundMe to help with her recovery.

"The doctors are working extremely hard to find out the extent of her brain injury, as well as treating the rest of her body," Paneet says.

The family believes Kohar is in for a long recovery, which will include numerous operations including skin grafts and they are still unsure if she suffered a spinal injury. As of Thursday, the GoFundMe has almost doubled its goal of $25,000, with $51,000 raised so far.

"Now we ask everyone that she has crossed paths with to come together to help her during her road to recovery.

Please keep her in your prayers, and we appreciate everyone's love and support during this difficult time," Paneet says.