PETALING JAYA, Aug 2 — A housewife’s anguish over the death of her husband nine years ago turned into a nightmare when her son — national hockey player Chua Boon Huat — was killed in a car crash early yesterday morning.

“I am just in shock. Nine years ago my husband Chua Peng Hock died in a motorcycle accident in Malacca, and now my son. I still can’t come to terms with had happened,” said Tan Kuai Neo, 64.

“I received a call from Chua’s girlfriend about 4am telling me what had happened and we immediately rushed here,” Tan said at the University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC).

Tan said the last time she saw Chua was in June when he enjoyed a short break from the national camp.

“When I met him the last time, he was being his usual self — talkative and jovial as always.

“Hockey was his life since he was a kid. He loved the sport and represented Bandar Hilir primary school when he was 10-years-old and then played for Malacca High School. It was his passion.”

She said her son will be cremated in Semabok, Malacca on Monday.

A sombre mood enveloped the UMMC mortuary as Chua’s family members, friends and teammates rushed there in disbelief upon hearing the tragic news. Those wanting to pay their final respects can do so at No 9, Jalan SP 9, Taman Semabok Perdana, Semabok.

Meanwhile, Petaling Jaya police chief ACP Arjunaidi Mohamed said the 2.25am incident took place when Chua was travelling along the Damansara-Puchong Highway (LDP) near the Kelana Jaya LRT station in his Proton Perdana.

“Investigations showed that Chua had collided with a water tanker lorry that was watering plants along the LDP.”

Arjunaidi said Chua had crashed into the lorry from behind.

“We believe he was speeding and could not avoid the lorry in time, he probably tried but it was too late as he had hit the left side of the back of the vehicle.”

He said Chua died at the scene due to serious head injuries.

On a separate note, he advised those who witnessed the accident and had taken gruesome pictures of Chua’s condition inside the car to not spread it on the Internet.

“Please think of the deceased’s family members and avoid sharing these pictures in social networking sites. Let’s respect the family, and show them support instead,” he said.