Egyptian drifting champion Haitham Samir was shot and killed Monday evening amidst an argument with his private security guard. His funeral is scheduled for Tuesday afternoon.

The altercation took place outside his home in Qalyubia Governate. Samir had plans to fire his security guard, which escalated into an argument. The guard’s son subsequently emerged with a pistol and shot Samir. He was arrested soon after by the Ministry of Interior.

The ministry released the following statement:

The circumstances were revealed regarding a report received by the security services of Qalyubia Security Directorate on the 11th of this month by a hospital about the death of (the owner of a company and an owner of an auto service center – residing in Cairo) from a gunshot wound.

Upon questioning, the suspect’s partner admitted that while they were heading to a plot of land owned by the deceased, located within the Qalyub Police Station jurisdiction, a verbal altercation occurred between the victim and the son of the land’s private guard because of the deceased’s desire to terminate his father’s duties. The altercation escalated into a fight, during which the guard’s son fired a shotgun he had in his possession, resulting in his death.

The accused (a worker – residing within the same jurisdiction) was arrested on the spot, and the firearm used in the incident was found in his possession.

Legal action has been taken.

Samir primarily competed in national drifting championships like the REV IT UP Drift Competition, as well as those in nearby countries like the Emirates and Jordan. He began his career with a 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution that became his trademark, though he also used cars like the Nissan 350Z and BMW 3 Series E46.

A Monster Energy athlete, he won the 2013 Red Bull Car Park Drift Championship in Cairo. Two yeas later, Samir was runner-up at the 2015 regional final in Dubai.

He also ran an auto service center and organized autocross events in Egypt.

“We don’t know how to write this news, but everything is in Allah’s hands,” begins a statement from REV IT UP. “We mourn the death of the champion of Egypt and Middle East, Captain Haitham Samir.

“May God have mercy on him, forgive him, and grant him a place in His vast paradise. We ask you to pray for him.”

Featured image credit: Haitham Samir