Yoshizawa Hitomi's brother dies in a car accident...

Just over a week after Yoshizawa Hitomi's announcement about her graduation from Morning Musume..... this happens.

Included some rough translation from the news clip below:



On the 11th January 2007, Yossie's brother, Kota, was involved in a vehicular accident and died. Apparently he was crossing the street on a bicycle through the pedestrian crossing at a traffic light stop, and got knocked down by a car from his right. Suffered (internal) injuries to the head. He was sent to the hospital by another car but died soon after. He was 16 years old.

The driver that knocked him down was a 20 year old student, and suffered minor injuries himself. The police have apprehended him for further investigation. It was reported that the driver was not under the influence of alcohol, nor does he have a passenger with him. Although he was shaken from the incident, he answered all questions by the police with honesty.

Initial conclusion by the police - the cause of the accident was that driver had ignored the traffic light. But will further interview bystanders and witnesses for more information. Also will check the security cameras for more info.

Yossie have mentioned about his brother of 5 years junior. At times introduced him and her other younger brother (8 years younger) to her radio shows, and events. Also said that although he was troublesome and mischievous (cutting her hair when she was asleep), she said that she's "angry at him at times, but he's still 'kawaii'".

Her brothers, while brought up being referred to as "Yossie's Brother" by their classmates, still they did not take advantage of it to get special treatment. And for that they were adored.

Yossie's work for the day on the 11th was cancelled. Her parents and herself, devastated over the news, did not give further comments.

The UFA staff and management under the shocking news, made no official comments about the schedule of Morning Musume concert in Osaka.

*******************


I have only one thing to say when the news broke: "Fuck..."

Some motorists in Japan are fucked-up idiots. Two years ago, my younger sister and her best friend got knocked down by a car in Japan too... even though they were cycling in a pedestrian lane. (She's recovered now, but bear scars from the accident.) That is why I know how Yossie is feeling right now. Yes, bad luck is bad luck. But some things can be avoided if you can and want to.






You don't know how long it took for me to draft this post. I truly feel for Yossie. My utmost condolences and best regards to Yossie and her family. Will be going to church tonight, and I will send my prayers for her, her family and friends.

Man... It's a curse... I felt bad publishing that post. Will take a break from blogging till... later.

News from Nikkan Sports.
News video clip by Nikkan Sports highlighted by WHG.




News from Yahoo News - 13 January 2007.

モー娘吉沢号泣、弟が交通事故死

1月13日9時54分配信 日刊スポーツ

　モーニング娘。のリーダー吉沢ひとみ（２１）の実弟弘太さん（こうた＝１６）が１１日に交通事故で亡くなっていたことが１２日、分かった。東京・新宿区の交差点を自転車で走行中、普通自動車にはねられ、搬送先の病院で息を引き取った。吉沢は所属事務所スタッフと会話もできないほど大きなショックを受けている。１４日には５月のモー娘卒業を大阪のファンに報告するステージが控えているが、出演は微妙だ。
　「よっすぃー」の愛称で親しまれる吉沢に悲劇が襲った。悲報を受けた１１日からすべての仕事をキャンセルして、弘太さんの遺体に付き添った。スタッフが事情を聴くため連絡しても、親族が対応するだけで、吉沢は会話ができないほど泣き崩れ、落ち込んでいるという。両親も同様で、葬儀などは身内だけで営まれるもようだ。
　１４日には大阪厚生年金会館で、美勇伝などと共演するコンサートが予定されている。年始に発表した５月でモー娘卒業を、大阪のファンに自分の言葉で報告する予定だった。深い悲しみを知るスタッフは、出演について本人と相談することも控えているという。