Neori Vuidreketi Makoto has a heartfelt 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. He was an employee of Burger King at Martintar in Nadi.
The tragic incident occurred while Semi was 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 confirmed that an investigation into the case is underway.
A witness, who requested anonymity, claimed that the bus was traveling at high speed when it hit Semi. “The man was not wearing a helmet. He must have had a serious head injury, judging by the distance between where he was hit and where he landed,” the witness said.
Mr. Makoto recounted his initial reaction upon learning that his brother had been rushed to the hospital. “I thought it was just a minor injury at first. 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 going to the ICU, hoping he would open his eyes and we could talk again,” he said.
“The doctors continuously updated us about his condition until they declared him brain dead. Last week, we were told to come and say our final goodbyes to him. All I wished for was his recovery so he could take care of his small family. He has a one-year-old child.”
Mr. Makoto also shared that his brother had been saving money with dreams of buying land and starting a farm.
The victim was the youngest of three siblings. Mr. Makoto described his brother as a hardworking and quiet person. “He doesn’t speak much, but his work speaks volumes about him. We were very close. I miss my brother,” he shared.
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