DEARBORN — This week Dearborn’s community mourns the death of a young Arab American man who was found dead in his bedroom on the morning of March 1. Twenty-two-year-old Tarek Hakkani, who was known to have a sleep apnea disorder, had died in his bedroom several hours before his body was discovered by his mother near his bed side.

Tarek Hakkani

While the cause of death is still too early to confirm, his family says all signs are pointing to a heart attack. Hakanni had also suffered from breathing problems, his family says. He was born in Dearborn and lived his entire life b oth here and in Dearborn Heights. He attended Dearborn High, where he played football for the school’s team. He was also active on the school’s wrestling team. After his graduation, he attended Henry Ford Community College. 

Hakanni leaves behind a mother, father, older sister, and two younger brothers. His father describes him as a friendly individual who was always there for his friends and family.

“All of his friends loved him. He was a people friendly person who had so many great friends just because of how nice he was. He was a very gentle person who never had any problems with anyone in the community,” Afif Hakkani, his father, stated.

Tarek had worked for his father managing a convenience store in Eastpointe and had plans of becoming a self employed businessman. A memorial will be held for him at Trust One, located at 3250 Pelham in Dearborn on Sunday, March 10 from 5-7 p.m.