Juan Ameen
ICT graduate dies in motorcycle crash
Daniel Aquilina (third from left, standing) with his team mates.
Daniel Aquilina, who died in a motorcycle accident late on Tuesday, always looked at life in a positive way and was constantly smiling, his former teacher said.
Mr Aquilina, 24, from Kalkara, died when his motorcycle crashed against a tree in Triq Mikiel Anton Vassalli, St Julians at about 11.30 p.m. He ended up on the centre strip, several metres away, the police said. Efforts to save him proved futile and he died shortly afterwards in hospital.
One of Mr Aquilina's former teachers, John Muscat, described him as a happy go-lucky man and a great student.
"Daniel was a really good guy, constantly joking and laughing. However, he knew where to draw the line," Mr Muscat said.
Mr Aquilina used to attend the ICT course at the Malta Council for Arts, Science and Technology and graduated in December.
"His death was a great pity. I'm sure the accident was not his fault as he was a responsible boy," he said.
Similarly, one of his childhood friends, Jonathan Cini, had nothing but words of praise for Mr Aquilina.
He recounted how they both were altar boys at the Capuchins Church in Kalkara and how Mr Aquilina was always ready to give a helping hand whenever someone needed anything.
"He was one of the first to roll his sleeves up and help in the construction of the centre for us altar boys and its maintanence in the 90s when we were young," Mr Cini recalled.
Soon after, he set about organising a football team because the sport was one of his greatest passions. In fact, even when he was at MCAST, he remained active and continued playing.
Mr Cini recalled when Mr Aquilina delivered the traditional midnight sermon during the Christmas Eve vigil. It was a great success, everyone had liked it, he said.
"He used to love joking. He left us so quickly but the memories are there," Mr Cini said.
Popular Stories
Update 3: Woman found dead in car,...
Updated: Woman dies in car crash
Carm Mifsud Bonnici resigns after...
Part of Dwejra 'Azure window' collapses
The end of the bar that ‘never closed’
Bundy does not know whether to...
Updated - Jason Micallef demands...
This WAS the night - Kurt makes it...
Petrol price up 6c
In Discussion
Updated - Jason Micallef demands...
Gozo tunnel could take 5-7 years to...
CABS remote controlled aircraft shot...
Carm Mifsud Bonnici resigns after...
Joseph Calleja condemns portrayal of...
Updated: Labour would give...
CABS drone shot down
Second group of migrants arrives
Adrian Vassallo in scathing...
7 Comments
Post comment
Please sign in or create your Account to post comments.
Chris Saliba
Nov 30th 2009, 20:47
R.I.P Daniel. Condolences to all his family.
Chris Brown
Jul 22nd 2009, 14:35
My sympathies go to the family of this young man.
I completely agree with Mike Jones comment - what caused this tragedy to happen...I ride a scooter and yes - here in Malta it's really dangerous how some drivers "own" the road.
I wish that this would be addressed in a proactive way...how many more deaths do we need to feel safe on our roads?
A Cardona
Jul 16th 2009, 17:21
I was already disappointed to hear that such a young chap died at 24. Seeing this photo i felt speechless as i could not place his surname. Don't have the words to express my sadness. Will always remember you as a great student.
RIP Daniel! and my deepest sympathies to his parents. May God be with you through this difficult time.
Joanne(Mcast ICT student)
Jul 16th 2009, 16:46
RIP Daniel
Adrian Gambin (mcast)
Jul 16th 2009, 11:33
RIP mate...
Glenn Borg (mcast student)
Jul 16th 2009, 11:22
RIP Daniel, you are in eternal life now. Such a loss for his young age. Condolences to all his family.
Mike Jones
Jul 16th 2009, 10:48
I think the public deserves to know what cause the accident, ultimately killing this young (contributing) member of our society.
Did some negligent driver cause him to loose control? perhaps under the influence?
We all know how motorcyclists are treated in this country by our numerous "road ragers"
Was there (typically) a hazard on the road?
We all know how much money we spend every year in this country for roads which seem to be unkempt.
Was there a diesel or an oil slick?
We all know how much truck drivers don't care in this country.
Was he himself driving recklessly/under the influence?
It's a sad tragedy, yet it will be an even sadder tragedy if questions are not asked and the route of apathy is taken to even more deaths or injuries.