A Sydney man electrocuted when he stepped on a fallen power line outside his home has been remembered as a “great humanitarian” by the charity he chaired.

Dr Hossam Ibrahim died after coming into contact with the 11,000-volt power line in his driveway in Punchbowl about 10.30pm on Saturday.

Emergency personnel had to wait at least 30 minutes before the power was turned off and his body could be reached.

A Fire & Rescue New South Wales spokesman said the line was brought down by a lightning strike.

Ibrahim, also known as Hossameldin Mohamed Ibrahim, previously led the NSW Islamic Egyptian Society and was the incumbent chairman of charity Islamic Relief Australia.

“It is with shock, disbelief and great sadness that the staff and volunteers of Islamic Relief Australia offer their condolences to the family and friends of our dear Chairman,” the not-for-profit said. “Words cannot express our sorrow, may your heart and soul find comfort.

“His generosity, humanitarian conviction and compassion inspired us all.

“We mourn the passing of a great humanitarian, and will honour his legacy in our work.”

The father had only weeks ago celebrated ending a 2018 in which he attained a master’s degree in business administration and coached his son’s under-9s soccer team. He had hoped to begin a PhD in leadership in 2019, according to a post on his Facebook page.

“One of the politest people I’ve ever met in my life,” Eahab Arja posted online.

“A quiet, humble man always with a smile on his face who worked tirelessly for the sake of Allah swt (sic). Always there for you.”