Neori Vuidreketi Makoto has a single wish: for his younger brother, Semi Lete Makoto, to return home to his family.
Semi Makoto, 24, passed away in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Aspen Hospital in Lautoka following an accident last week. Semi was an employee at Burger King in Martintar, Nadi.
He was involved in an accident while riding his bike from his home in Malolo, Nadi, to work when he was struck by a bus near his workplace. Police spokesperson Wame Bautolu stated that an investigation into the incident is ongoing.
A witness, who chose to remain anonymous, alleged that the bus was speeding when it hit Semi. “The man was not wearing a helmet. He must have suffered a serious head injury given the distance between where he was hit and where he landed,” the witness said.
Neori Makoto revealed that he initially thought his brother’s injuries were minor when he heard that Semi had been rushed to the hospital. “But when I arrived at the hospital, I was shocked to see his condition. He was in a coma. The whole of last week I kept visiting the ICU, hoping he would open his eyes and we could talk again,” he said.
“The doctors kept us updated about his condition until they declared him brain dead. Last week, we were asked to come and say our final goodbyes to him. All I wish for is that he could recover and take care of his small family. He has a one-year-old child,” Neori added.
Semi was the youngest of three siblings and was described by his brother as a hardworking individual. “He is a very quiet person. He doesn’t speak much, but his work speaks volumes about him. We were very close, and I miss my brother dearly.”
Semi was saving money with the dream of buying land and starting a farm.
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