Motel Manager Hemant Mistry Dies After Being Punched

Photo: Facebook

India-West News Desk

GROVE, OK – Hemant Mistry, a 59-year-old general manager at a motel here, died after being attacked on June 22 when he asked 41-year-old Richard Lewis to leave the motel property.

Lewis punched Mistry to the ground, where police later found him unconscious. Despite being taken to a hospital, he succumbed to his injuries the following day at 7:40 pm, according to the Oklahoma City Police Department.

A video of the assault has gone viral on social media. In the footage, Mistry, wearing a white t-shirt, can be seen engaged in a heated argument with Lewis, who is in a sky-blue t-shirt. The argument quickly escalates, and Lewis lands a punch on Mistry’s face, causing him to collapse while Lewis walks away.

Lewis was later found at another hotel and arrested. The investigation is still in its early stages, the Oklahoma City Police Department stated.

Mistry is survived by his wife Gitanjali and two children. His son, Kunal, expressed his grief in a heartfelt post, writing, “My life will never be the same again. Dad, you left us too early. You gave us everything and worked so hard to ensure we had the best life possible. Your dedication to your family and your work was admirable. Please continue to look after us, give me your strength, and continue to guide me through this journey. Don’t worry about mom, Shivu, and Yash. I got them. I will always have them just like you did. I love you, dad. Rest in peace, my angel.”

Mistry is said to have been an active member of the Gujarati community.