A Father’s Grief and Resolve

Danail Todorov, the father of 15-year-old Bozhidara, who tragically died following a car accident in Haskovo, is vowing to leave Bulgaria with his entire family. His decision stems from what he describes as a profound sense of injustice and a desire for systemic change following his daughter’s death.

Todorov expressed his despair, stating:

I will categorically give up Bulgaria and my citizenship! Our whole family will do it. This is not a country, but a stepmother that crushes ordinary citizens like us.
Danail Todorov

He seeks not personal attention, but rather widespread support to reform the legal system, lamenting the frequent loss of children due to negligence.

The Fatal Incident and Legal Proceedings

On May 21, 2018, Bozhidara and her sister Sofia were passengers in a car driven by Marian Sivov.Instead of safely transporting the girls,Sivov drove recklessly,exceeding the speed limit significantly.

According to Todorov:

Instead of taking them to our home, he deliberately drives over 110 km/h at a limit of 50 km/h. the girls ask him to reduce, scared. He laughs and says, ‘you will need diapers,’ and increases speed.
Danail Todorov

the vehicle later crashed, resulting in severe injuries to Bozhidara.

Bozhidara suffered critical injuries,including broken cervical vertebrae,leading to paralysis. Despite undergoing emergency surgery, she succumbed to her injuries 25 days later.

Todorov recounted his daughter’s poignant final words:

In her shock and pain, she looks at her sister Sofia and says, ‘I wish you a good life.’ I said, ‘Calm, Dad … Everything will be fine.’
Bozhidara

A Lengthy Pursuit of Justice

The legal proceedings against Marian Sivov have been protracted and, in Todorov’s view, inadequate. the case has moved through various courts, with the initial sentence of 1.5 years being increased to 2.5 years by the Plovdiv Court of Appeal. Sivov’s driver’s license was also revoked for five years.

Frustrated by the perceived leniency, Todorov is advocating for the charges to be elevated from “causing death by negligence” to “premeditated murder.”

He argues:

And life imprisonment will give him, my daughter will not return.But we do it for all the children. I do not want to have more killed Bozhidara, the killed Siana, the killed Annie and Yavor … In April alone, there are over 23 deaths and more than 110 peopel with serious injuries.
Danail Todorov

Systemic Failures and a Family’s Disillusionment

Todorov highlighted additional concerns regarding the handling of the case, including the fact that Sivov was not initially detained and continued to drive even after the accident.

The tragedy has had a profound impact on Bozhidara’s family. Her sister, Sofia, has as moved to England, unable to cope with the injustice she witnessed. Todorov and his son are now planning to leave Bulgaria as well.

Todorov lamented:

The sister of Bozhidara – Sofia, a year after the tragedy asked us to give her a power of attorney to leave the country. She did not endure. She could see how the guilty does not pay in Bulgaria. Today she lives and works in England and refuses to return. My son is waiting for the future. We are not looking for a sensation. Mute.
Danail Todorov

He hopes that by speaking out, he can inspire change and prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.