Neori Vuidreketi Makoto’s only wish is for his younger brother, Semi Lete Makoto, to return home to his family. Semi Makoto, aged 24, tragically died in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Aspen Hospital in Lautoka following an accident last week.
Semi, who worked at Burger King in Martintar, Nadi, was involved in a collision while riding his bike from his home in Malolo, Nadi, to work. The accident occurred when he was struck by a bus near his workplace. Police spokesperson Wame Bautolu stated that the police are investigating the incident.
A witness, who chose to remain anonymous, alleged that the bus was traveling at high speed when it hit Semi. According to the witness, “The man was not wearing a helmet. He must have had a serious head injury judging by the distance between the impact site and where he landed.”
Upon hearing that his brother had been rushed to the hospital, Neori initially thought Semi had sustained only minor injuries. However, his perception changed when he arrived at the hospital and saw his brother in a coma. “The whole of last week, I kept going to the ICU hoping he would open his eyes so we could speak again,” Neori recounted.
Doctors continuously updated the family on Semi’s condition until they declared he was brain dead. “Last week, we were told to come and say our last goodbye to him,” Neori said, adding that his brother was saving money with the dream of buying land and starting a farm. Semi leaves behind a one-year-old child.
Semi Makoto, the youngest of three siblings, 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 are very close to each other. I miss my brother,” Neori shared.