Afghan Refugee Who Risked Life to Protect U.S. Soldiers Overseas Is Shot Dead in N.C. While Driving for Uber

Photo: Go Fund Me

On Dec. 30, Ainzargul Totakhil was found dead inside his vehicle from a gunshot wound, his cousin Yousaf Mangal told the station.

“He was just doing his daily work to make money and feed his family,” said Mangal.

A spokesperson for Uber released a statement to the news station.

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Totakhil and Mangal risked their lives to serve as translators for U.S. troops in Afghanistan and were given special visas to live in the United States about seven years ago, Mangal said.

They thought they would be safer, and Totakhil’s wife and children were preparing to move to Durham. In fact, his cousin said, Totakhil became a U.S. citizen in early December.

“We didn’t expect him to be killed because America is more safe than Afghanistan,” Mangal said.

Now, Totakhil’s family is preparing for his funeral. They createda GoFundMe accountto assist with funeral expenses.

Durham Police told the station that no arrests have been made. PEOPLE’s call to the department was not returned.

source: people.com