Abu Mardaa died in an accident in Hail... Full details and Abu Hessa was injured
A pall of deep sorrow and shock descended upon social media users in Saudi Arabia following the announcement of the death of renowned content creator Abdullah bin Mardaa Al-Atef Al-Qahtani, known as “Abu Mardaa,” after a tragic traffic accident in the Hail region. Social media platforms transformed into an open book of condolences, with thousands mourning the loss of the man known for his gentle nature and cheerful spirit.
Details of the tragic accident in Hail
According to reports and local sources, the tragic accident occurred on Thursday afternoon in the Naylat area, west of Hail. The accident not only resulted in the death of Abu Mardaa, but also left his companion and close friend, the well-known influencer Abu Hessa, injured. Abu Hessa was rushed to King Khalid University Hospital in Hail for treatment, where he was admitted to the intensive care unit for monitoring of his critical condition. His supporters are praying for his speedy recovery.
Last appearance... an unintended farewell
Videos widely circulated online, purportedly showing the late Abu Mardaa and his friend Abu Hessa on Snapchat shortly before the accident, have sparked grief among viewers. The videos depict the pair chatting and sharing their usual lighthearted moments with the public, unaware that these would be their final time together on camera, adding a tragic dimension to the incident.
Why did people love “Abu Mardaa”?
Abdullah bin Mardaa was more than just a celebrity; he built a broad fan base thanks to his unique style, which combined simplicity and spontaneity. The late artist was known for sharing details of daily life and humorous situations in an engaging, storytelling style, free from affectation, which endeared him to various age groups in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf region. His presence on platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Snapchat reflected local identity and authenticity, further enhancing his popularity and positive influence.
The influence of social media celebrities on Saudi society
This incident highlights the close relationship between Saudi society and social media influencers. In recent years, these influencers have become an integral part of citizens' daily lives, sharing details of their joys and sorrows. Therefore, the loss of one of them is not treated as just another piece of news, but rather as the loss of a friend or relative. This explains the collective grief and the trending of the death hashtag both locally and regionally, reflecting the powerful influence of digital media in shaping public opinion and collective emotions.
Road accidents: a concern that plagues society
This tragic accident has reignited the debate surrounding road safety on highways and those connecting cities and provinces. Despite the significant efforts undertaken by relevant authorities in the Kingdom to improve road quality and raise safety standards in line with the goals of Vision 2030 to reduce accident rates, the continued loss of young lives remains a deep wound. The Hail region and its extensive desert roads are among the areas experiencing heavy traffic, necessitating constant caution and adherence to traffic regulations to prevent such tragedies that claim the lives of the nation's youth.
