Hit & Run Driver Strikes Beloved Bhandari Family

Bhandari family lose child to hit and run driver

The Bhandari family: L to R Kushan, Keshar, Sujana, and Kushal. Photo courtesy of KBHR933.

One of my favorite places and some of my favorite people can be found at the Himalayan Restaurant.

Since I’ve still been recovering from my incident last month, I did not hear about the death of Kushan Bhandari.

The Bhandari family own the Himalayan Restaurant and the gift store adjacent to it and are originally from Nepal.

Bhandari (age 5) lost his life in a hit-and-run incident on Lakeview Drive which also involved his mother and brother.

The trio, including Sujana and her son Kushal (age 11) were airlifted to Loma Linda. Although Bhandari did not make it, both Sujana and Kushal have been released and are in stable condition.

A memorial fund has been set up in Kushan Bhandari’s name at First Mountain Bank.

In addition, Equada Yoga has announced that all of their August proceeds from their Tuesday evening community class will go to the Bhandari family.

If you have any knowledge of the vehicle or driver involved in the incident call the Sheriff’s Dispatch at 909-387-8313.

You can also call anonymously to WeTip at 1-800-78-CRIME.

The suspect is believed to have been driving a dark SUV (late 90s or early 2000 model) with tinted windows.

Although I have only known the family for just over a year, they are very special to me and this tragedy breaks my heart.

They are also very special to many other people in the community. If you have any information to share on this investigation please do not hesitate to call the authorities.

Please also send your donations and blessings to the family.



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This entry was posted on Tuesday, August 4th, 2009 and is filed under Mountain Lake Resort.

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3 Responses to “Hit & Run Driver Strikes Beloved Bhandari Family

  • 1
    Elena
    August 5th, 2009 07:27

    How heartbreaking! I had no Idea they were local and we love there shop in Big Bear. Our friend Brandon Lindholm at the hotel where the were struck held the boy while he took his last breath and stayed with them till help arrived.
    He was horrified that anyone would do such a thing and drive off.
    He’ll never get over it his wife said.
    I’m sorry GG I know how much you’ve grown to love that family and what a hard hit to the community.
    They are a wonderful family.

  • 2
    GG (Gossip Girl)
    August 5th, 2009 08:36

    A candelight vigil is being planned. Read more here.

  • 3
    Keshar Bdr Bhandari
    October 24th, 2009 01:53

    Dear Keshar, Kushal and Sujana,
    While serching my interview news in VOA, I happened to encounter your name. With exitement for the same name I tried to learn more about you but was deeply sadden by the news of Kushan – what a lovely kid; I presume god loved him too. I could fell how you all are going through, but time is great it will take care for all woos and sorrow; I recall the words of Khaptad Baba ” Every one comes to this earth for a destained period and leaves on the day one completes his destained period – when it happens before the expected time we call it Aakal Mritue, because of our love and emotion and we cannot accept it; he further says there is no Aakal Mritue and all passing away are designed the day one arrives on earth and that is period one lives and leave then after. If we could convince though very difficult this may provide some strength to bear the loss”
    Keshar I have two sons both are grown up and serving in Nepal Army as Captain; I myself is retired Brigadier General.
    The similar name brought us together, may god bless you and Kushal and provide strength to move ahead.
    Keshar