Social media mourns two Thai students who were fatally struck by a hit-and-run driver in Miami, USA. Wat Indiana BuddhaVanaram announced the memorial service schedule, noting that both were dearly loved by friends and the Thai community abroad.
On 25 March 2026, a tragic incident occurred in Miami, USA, where two Thai students were fatally hit by a hit-and-run driver. Police later apprehended the suspect, who claimed he had closed his eyes and pressed the accelerator intending to end his own life, but instead struck pedestrians, killing Kiatkamon Laowattananprasit, 23, and Sarisa Kongduang, 22, as previously reported.Tragic hit-and-run kills two Thais in Miami; police arrest suspect who claimed he closed his eyes and accelerated to attempt suicide.)
. The Facebook pageWat Indiana BuddhaVanaramWat Indiana BuddhaVanaram in Indianapolis posted a message of condolence stating that the temple, its monks, and the committee received news of the sudden passing of Mr. Gomon (Great) Laowattananprasit and Ms. Sarisa Kongduang, students at Indiana University Kelley School of Business, from Mr. Peter Boonjarern, the coordinator for Thai students in the United States.
Both were well-behaved, diligent in their studies, and beloved by their families, friends, and the Thai community abroad.
Their passing represents a great loss to their families and all involved. We pray that the Triple Gem and the power of all good virtues will guide their souls to a peaceful afterlife.
Memorial Service Schedule
Tuesday, 24 March 2026, at Wat Buddharangsee, Miami, Florida.
This announcement is made for public awareness, and we send strength and support to the families and relatives to endure this time of grief.
Ms. Sarisa Kongduang, or "Pear," aged 22, was a third-year student at the Kelley School of Business, Indiana University, majoring in management with minors in tourism, hospitality, and event management. She also served as president of the Thai Student Association in the United States (ATSA), representing and supporting Thai students in the US, and played a key role in driving projects like ATSA EXPO 2024–2025.
Mr. Kiatkamon Laowattananprasit, or "Great," aged 23, graduated from the Kelley School of Business, Indiana University, in 2024 with both bachelor's and master's degrees in finance. He worked as an Investment Banking Analyst at Bank of America in Chicago.
A review of the deceased’s Facebook pages shows many friends and acquaintances tagging and posting messages expressing their condolences for the loss of both.
Thanks for the information from the Facebook page of Wat Indiana BuddhaVanaram.