VILISI Verebasaga is mourning the unexpected and tragic loss of her husband, Pastor Jope Tuivanuavou, who died at the age of 55 in a locomotive accident in Lausa, Tavua, on Wednesday.
Having been married for 36 years, Ms. Verebasaga described her husband not only as a partner but as a humble man of God who dedicated himself to providing for their family.
According to Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Iakobo Vaisewa, the accident occurred around midday when Mr. Tuivanuavou and a 44-year-old locomotive driver were transporting loaded railway carts to the Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) mill in Ba. The locomotive unexpectedly veered left as they approached the FSC train lane bridge, tumbling down and landing in a dry creek.
While the locomotive driver is currently receiving treatment at Lautoka Aspen Hospital, Mr. Tuivanuavou’s passing has deeply affected his family. Originally from Savuna Village on Moturiki, he had worked with the FSC for 12 years while also serving as the leader of Fortified Wall Evangelical Church in Tavua.
In the days leading up to the accident, Ms. Verebasaga felt a strong spiritual urge to engage in prayer and fasting, which she later realized was God’s preparation for the upcoming tragedy. When she received the heartbreaking news at 12:30 pm on Wednesday, she found solace in her faith, believing that everything occurs according to God’s timing and purpose.
Reflecting on their last weeks together, she noted a significant deepening of their relationship, filled with love and peace, without any disagreements.
Looking ahead, Ms. Verebasaga expressed her intent to honor her husband’s memory while continuing to find strength in their faith. She shared a message of hope for others facing similar losses, encouraging them to hold onto belief and move forward, emphasizing that God has a plan for each of them.
Mr. Tuivanuavou leaves behind his wife, eight children, and four grandchildren.