Well-known Sri Lankan-origin off-roading veteran Mitchell Perera, popularly known as 'Mitch', has died in Dubai at the age of 59. According to Gulf News, he passed away on Wednesday (04) following complications after undergoing open-heart surgery on August 14.
His relative Dalrene Devadason shared that Perera had the surgery because of a leaking heart valve. He was placed in intensive care after suffering breathing issues, kidney dysfunction and lung complications. While he initially showed signs of improvement and started rehabilitation, internal bleeding caused his condition to deteriorate rapidly.
Desert driving trailblazer
Perera was celebrated as a leading pioneer in the UAE camping and off-roading scene. His long journey with the Gulf News Fun Drive began back in 1986 as a navigator for his father, Chris Perera, who worked as a marshal.
In 1987, he earned his certification as a desert driver. He then stepped up as a marshal, guiding drivers across tricky desert routes, and later took on major roles as communications controller and project leader, helping build the event into a massive recreational fixture.
Repatriation to Sri Lanka
Perera leaves behind his wife and son, who live in Germany, as well as his elderly parents who reside in Sri Lanka.
His wife and son are scheduled to reach Dubai on Saturday to pay their final respects. The Sri Lankan Consulate in Dubai is currently assisting with procedures to repatriate his remains to Sri Lanka for his funeral next week.
What happens next
His wife and son will travel to Dubai on Saturday to pay their last respects, after which his remains will be repatriated to Sri Lanka for funeral arrangements next week with help from the Sri Lankan Consulate in Dubai.
