Syriac artist George al-Rassi dies in car accident in Lebanon

BEIRUT / DARAMSUQ — On Saturday, Syriac artist George al-Rassi from Lebanon was killed, along with another passenger, in a car accident.

The accident occurred during his return to Lebanon following his performance at a concert in Daramsuq (Damascus), Syria. His car struck the barrier on the road between Syria and Lebanon at the Masnaa border point.

Although Civil Defense personnel transferred al-Rassi and his passenger to Taanayel General Hospital, they both passed away hours later.

In a statement, the Syndicate of Lebanese Artists mourned al-Rassi’s death.

Al-Rassi was born in 1982. His father is a Lebanese national and his mother is Syrian, from Marmarita. He released a large collection of successful albums.

His sister, artist Nadine al-Rassi, announced the date of the funeral service. Prayers for al-Rassi’s soul will be held on Monday at 3:00 p.m. at the Orthodox Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus in Jbeil.

Lebanese organization YASA For Road Safety published a video via Facebook showing a poor design of the stretch of road where the accident occurred. A concrete lane divider emerges with little warning.

The video was taken following the accident and the removal of al-Rassi’s car.