'Gem of a person': Man killed in I-40 crash remembered as 'jovial' cricket player

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- Family and friends are mourning the loss of 35-year-old Arun K. Sandram after he was hit and killed Sunday evening on I-40 eastbound just before the I-440 interchange.

According to Raleigh Police, Sandram was outside of his vehicle around 10:50 p.m. and was hit and killed by another driver.

Police have also said that impairment is not suspected on the part of Sandram or the other driver, who was not seriously injured.

"He's a very dearest friend of ours," said Sandeep Manchikatla. "It's very unfortunate and it's hard to listen to this heartbreaking news of this accident. We cannot digest the news."

Manchikatla and friends said Sandram was an extremely talented cricket player for the Fuquay Mavericks.

"He checks all the boxes," added Manchikatla, who found out about his friend's death in the overnight hours into Monday.

"We'll dearly miss him a lot," he said. "He's a gem of a person. A very good friend for all of us."

"He was very passionate about sports. He was very active on the field. And he was a great person too," said Harish Ramakrishna. "He gives 100% whenever he's playing, we cannot replace his position for sure. We will cherish his name forever when we play the game, after the game, he will be with us for sure."

Monday, friends and family gathered at Sandram's home to remember and honor their loved one, who has been described as kind, fun, and jovial.

"Everyone is shellshocked. We're all here to support the family in any way we can," said Manchikatia.

According to friend's, Sandram's family remains in disbelief and has been waiting for him to return home.

"His contribution to any game we played is immense and it's very unfortunate that this happened," said Manchikatla.

"If we had to play a game without him, we will definitely remember him before the game starts and every game in the future. Because even though he's not physically on the team, I think he will be in our hearts in every game that we play going forward."

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