The Heartbreaking Story of Hadeel Hikmat, an Iraqi Immigrant Found Lifeless in a North Carolina Lake

 Hadeel Hikmat, a tenacious 34-year-old Iraqi immigrant whose life met a tragic end in the serene waters of Jordan Lake, sending shockwaves through the tight-knit community of Apex, North Carolina. This is a story of unwavering ambition and unwavering dedication, a story that demands answers as her family, residing half a world away, grapples with unbearable grief while her husband faces grave charges.

Ambition and Dedication: A Remarkable Journey

Hadeel Hikmat's journey to North Carolina was nothing short of remarkable, fueled by ambition and an unyielding commitment to her dreams. Originating from the vibrant city of Baghdad, Iraq, she embarked on a path in chemical engineering. In 2022, she set her sights on the United States after marrying Omar Drabick, her beloved husband. Hadeel's dedication was unparalleled, evident in her determination to hold down two jobs, all with the aim of providing unwavering support to her spouse and constructing a life together in their newfound home.

Isolation and Heartfelt Concerns

Amidst the veneer of a seemingly tranquil life, neighbors in Apex observed a couple who appeared amiable yet remarkably reticent. However, beneath this facade, fault lines began to emerge. Hadeel's brother, Firas Hikmat, residing in Istanbul, Turkey, grew increasingly alarmed about his sister's safety. He voiced grave concerns, asserting that Hadeel was isolating herself from her family in Iraq. He painted a painful picture of rifts in her marriage, as her husband urged her to sever ties with her brother, compelling her to devote herself exclusively to her life in America.

A Vanishing Act Shrouded in Mystery

The once-familiar faces of Hadeel and her husband had inexplicably disappeared from the neighborhood by the end of August. Firas Hikmat's worry escalated as his sister's responses to messages ceased. Trepidation coursed through him as he reached out to the Apex Police Department, imploring their assistance in locating her. This fateful call set in motion a series of events that would ultimately unveil a heart-wrenching truth.

The Harrowing Discovery

A dedicated team of investigators from the Chatham County Sheriff's Office, under the leadership of the Chatham County Sheriff's Office, embarked on a mission to locate Hadeel. Regrettably, their relentless pursuit of answers culminated in the discovery of her lifeless body near a serene boat ramp at Jordan Lake on the somber day of August 29. The sheriff's office dispelled any notions of her death being accidental or self-inflicted, igniting grave suspicions of foul play.

Arrest and Charges: A Husband's Dark Secrets

The investigation spiraled into a distressing revelation as Hadeel's husband, Omar Matthew Ibrahim Drabick, faced a reckoning. He now stands accused of first-degree murder and the concealment of an unnatural death. A chilling arrest warrant painted a chilling picture, alleging that Drabick had mercilessly discarded his wife's lifeless body from a bridge into the tranquil waters of Jordan Lake. The motive behind this horrifying act remains shrouded in darkness, leaving the world in stunned disbelief.

A Cry for Justice: A Family's Agonizing Quest

Hadeel Hikmat's family finds themselves shattered by her untimely and inexplicable demise. Firas, her devoted brother, undertook a harrowing journey from Turkey to the United States to claim his sister's body and fervently seek justice. Their cry for justice resounds powerfully, amplified by a chorus of voices echoing their plea for answers and clarity in the shadow of Hadeel's heart-wrenching.

The devastating loss of Hadeel Hikmat serves as a poignant reminder of the insidious and harrowing impact of domestic violence—a scourge that leaves families and communities in profound anguish. As investigators tirelessly pursue the truth and the quest for justice unfolds, Hadeel's memory shall forever remain etched in the hearts of those who cherished her. Her story compels us to reflect upon the urgent need for support systems for those trapped in abusive relationships and to strive relentlessly to prevent such heartrending tragedies from ever occurring again.