BY MICHAEL BOOTH
GAZETTE-TIMES REPORTER | Posted: Saturday, July 19, 2008 12:00 am
Imam Awad Mohamed Elgarguri led Corvallis prayers for 15 years
A prominent Muslim leader who worked to increase understanding between Muslims and non-Muslims in Corvallis died at the scene of a head-on collision early Friday on Highway 99W.
Awad Mohamed Elgarguri, 49, was headed home shortly after midnight with his 16 year-old son after a Thursday-night prayer session at the Corvallis mosque, according to Emir Mohammed Siala. The name of the youth was spelled "Arubahr" on police reports.
"It was a shock to the whole community," Siala said. "He was trying to build bridges between Muslims and non-Muslims alike. I believe he will be missed, not just by the Muslim community, but by many."
Elgarguri had been the Imam, the leader of communal prayers and deliverer of Friday sermons, for more than 15 years.
According to Oregon State Police Sgt. Craig Flierl, Elgarguri and his son were heading home at 12:14 a.m. Friday, traveling north on Highway 99W, near Peavy Arboretum Road north of Corvallis, when a southbound pickup driven by Aaron James Veden, 21, of Corvallis crossed the centerline into the oncoming lane.
Elgarguri attempted to avoid the pickup but his 1990 Geo Storm was struck in the driver's side by the pickup.
Elgarguri was pronounced dead at the scene. His son was transported to Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center by the Corvallis Fire Department. Police initially reported that Arubahr had minor injuries, but Siala said he had recently been moved from intensive care into a regular hospital ward and was now recovering well.
Veden also was transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
OSP investigators said fatigue is a possible contributing factor in Veden's driving, but they have not yet determined the collision's exact cause.
Northbound traffic on Highway 99W was closed about four hours as traffic was routed through the southbound lane.
On Friday afternoon, mosque members mourned the loss of their Imam outside the Salman Al-Farisi Islamic Center on Kings Boulevard in Corvallis. Some cried and exchanged embraces before entering the mosque to pray without their influential leader and friend.
Elgarguri was married and had seven children.
Siala said the Corvallis community can help by praying for Elgarguri's family.
"He was our teacher and mentor since we were about 10," Muhamed Alyajouri said among a group of young men. "Everybody knew him."