Obituary for Dragos Dima
24.01.2026It is with deep regret that we must bid farewell to our esteemed member of the Presidential Council and dear friend, Dragos Dima, who left us far too soon. His work and passion shaped the field of accident reconstruction far beyond the borders of his homeland.
Dragos Dima's professional journey was inextricably linked to the Transylvanian University in Brasov, to which he remained loyal from his time as a university assistant to his appointment as professor and vice dean of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering. His tireless dedication was to the sound education of students in the fields of vehicle safety, accident analysis, and reconstruction. That Romania now boasts excellent training in these disciplines is largely thanks to him.
His involvement with the EVU (European Association for Accident Research and Analysis) began in 2008 at the conference in Nice, and with vision and energy, he founded EVU Romania, which, under his leadership, quickly grew to over 80 members. Dragos Dima was not only a technical expert but also a skilled networker: He organized collaborations with the Romanian government's Forensic Institute, as well as numerous student exchange programs, including one with Graz University of Technology.
He demonstrated his organizational talent by impressively hosting two EVU congresses in Romania, the last of which was a successful event just a few months ago. Due to his extensive knowledge and infectious enthusiasm, he was elected to the EVU's Presidential Council in 2022. There, as well as on the Scientific Board, he made valuable contributions and maintained close ties with national groups throughout Europe, encouraging new members from countries such as Albania, Bulgaria, and Belarus to join.
The far too early death of Dragos Dima saddens us deeply. He leaves a great void not only in Romanian accident reconstruction but throughout the entire field of accident research and analysis. He will be remembered as someone for whom the exchange of experience and the promotion of young scientists were always paramount.
Beyond his professional contributions, we have lost an irreplaceable person and friend. How wonderful it was to exchange ideas with him over a glass of red wine at conferences and to enjoy the evening events together.
We will miss his enthusiasm and energy.
We will always cherish the memory of Dragos Dima.
Dragos, we miss you – we are deeply saddened.
