Samir Naili and Kashmira Accident, Obituary: Andover Father and 8-Year-Old Daughter Killed in Fiery Route 28 Crash
Samir Naili, 35, and his 8-year-old daughter, Kashmira Naili, of Andover, Massachusetts, died Saturday night, August 22, 2026, after a devastating vehicle collision on Route 28 in North Reading. The father and daughter were inside a Honda HR-V stopped at a red light when another vehicle struck them from behind, causing their SUV to burst into flames.
The crash occurred at approximately 10:45 p.m. near the intersection of Route 28 and North Street. Authorities said a 21-year-old Paxton man, Matthew Sweeney, was driving an Acura MDX at a high rate of speed when it crashed into the stopped Honda.
Emergency responders and a nearby good Samaritan attempted to reach the occupants of the burning vehicle, but Samir and Kashmira were pronounced dead at the scene.
Samir Naili remembered by his family
Samir’s death has left the Naili family facing an unimaginable loss. He was 35 years old and lived in Andover with his young daughter.
Family members described the devastating impact of losing both Samir and Kashmira in the same crash. Samir’s mother, Liz Powell-Naili, told reporters that she had lost her only son and only granddaughter.
The family reportedly had been returning home after going out to pick up milk when the collision occurred.
Remembering 8-year-old Kashmira Naili
Kashmira was preparing to enter the third grade at South School in Andover. Her death has also deeply affected the local school community.
Andover Public Schools confirmed her death with the family’s permission and offered condolences to her loved ones. The district also arranged mental-health support for students, families and staff affected by the tragedy.
Kashmira’s grandmother described the young girl as beautiful and sweet. Her sudden death has left classmates, educators and members of the wider Andover community grieving.
Route 28 crash investigation
Authorities say the Acura was traveling at approximately 100 mph before hitting the Honda. The driver, Matthew Sweeney, was arrested and faces charges including two counts of motor vehicle homicide, operating under the influence and operating to endanger.
Sweeney pleaded not guilty during a court appearance Monday and was ordered to undergo a psychiatric evaluation. His attorney told the court that Sweeney reportedly has no memory of the crash. The allegations against him remain subject to the ongoing legal process.
Investigators are continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding the collision, including reports that Sweeney had been involved in an earlier incident before the fatal crash.
A community mourns
The deaths of Samir Naili and Kashmira Naili have brought profound grief to Andover and North Reading. A father and his young daughter who were simply traveling home lost their lives in a devastating collision.
As family, friends, classmates and neighbors mourn, the Andover community is coming together to support those affected by the tragedy. Funeral and memorial arrangements should be confirmed through the Naili family or an authorized funeral home when announced.
The investigation into the fatal Route 28 crash remains ongoing.
