Pakistani-American MIT student killed in New Jersey car crash

Aliza Akhtar with her father Naveed Akhtar Waraich

A 19-year-old Pakistani-American MIT student was killed Saturday night in a head-on crash in New Jersey when a drunk driver drove into her car after crossing over into the opposite lane.

The death of Aliza Akhtar, who was a distinguished student and recipient of a fully funded scholarship for her studies at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, plunged the family into grief and shocked the large community in New Jersey and New York. Members of the community expressed their heartfelt condolences over death of the bright student, who was just beginning to carve out a great future for herself.

She was daughter of political activist Naveed Akhtar Waraich, who is affiliated with Pakistan Tehreek e Insaaf party.

Akhtar’s 15-year-old sister was also traveling with her, and was treated for her injuries in a hospital.

According to Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office Aliaksandr Tsytsenia, who is 28, crossed his Mercedes over double-yellow lines on Texas Road in Old Bridge.

He was intoxicated and struck Akhtar’s oncoming Toyota, who suffered severe injuries and was pronounced dead in the hospital.

Police caught Tsytsenia, who tried to escape after the accident.

Prosecutors say Tsytsenia faces charges of vehicular homicide, leaving the scene of an accident, assault by auto, and driving while intoxicated.