Hero dies after saving child’s life

A young man has sacrificed his life to save a young child from almost certain death in a high speed car accident in Rustavi.

Otar Gurgenishvili died after he was hit by a speeding car yesterday.

A child, described as "small”, attempted to cross a residential street when a speeding car appeared. Gurgenishvili, 21, saw the action unfold and pushed the child out of the way but he and his girlfriend were hit by the car instead.

Gurgenishvili died at the scene while his girlfriend suffered minor injuries.

His tragic death has gained sympathy from people all across Georgia, with Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili describing the 21-year-old’s actions as "heroic”.

"The whole of Georgia has been shaken by the death of a young man who gave his life to save a younger child. Otar Gurgenishili is an example of civic heroism for the entire society,” Garibashvili said.

"With these actions he gave us an amazing example of nobility, philanthropy and once again reminded us what self-sacrifice means.”

Garibashvili offered his sincere condolences to Gurgenishvili’s family and friends.

"Such heroes are never forgotten by people. Heroes are not only born during war. The universe gains strength from heroes like him,” the Georgian leader said.

"I express my deepest condolences and support to Otar Gurgenishvili’s family, friends and relatives. Their unmeasured pain and sorrow is shared by the whole of Georgia. The heroically deceased young man – Otar Gurgenishvili – really deserves proper appreciation. I bow my head to him and his family and believe that we should properly honour him for his exemplary civic devotion.”

Gurgenishvili will be buried in his native village Velistsikhe in eastern Georgia.