Pakistani student Samia Malik, 20, died after being struck by a car on North East Road in Hillcrest, Adelaide, on May 6, 2025. The case has returned to public attention after the driver received a suspended prison sentence in October 2026.
According to Australian broadcaster ABC News, CCTV footage showed Malik kneeling on the road for about four minutes before the collision at around 11pm. Her hand movements appeared similar to prayer, but the court was not given an explanation for why she was on the road.
The driver, Ashton Friend, pleaded guilty to causing death by careless use of a motor vehicle and leaving the scene of the accident. His lawyer told the court that he initially believed he had hit an animal, possibly a kangaroo. Friend had also been looking in his rearview mirror before the collision. Other motorists reportedly swerved to avoid Malik.
South Australia’s District Court sentenced Friend to one year, three months and 29 days in prison, with an eight-month non-parole period. However, the sentence was suspended for two years under a good behaviour bond.
Malik’s sister, Qudisya Malik, told the court that the family continued to struggle with grief and felt the loss in everyday life. She described Samia as a much-loved young woman whose future had been cut short.
