Neori Vuidreketi Makoto’s one heartfelt wish is for his younger brother, Semi Lete Makoto, to come back home to his family.
Semi Makoto, aged 24, tragically died in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Aspen Hospital in Lautoka following an accident that occurred last week. Semi, who worked for Burger King at Martintar in Nadi, was involved in a road accident while riding his bike from his home in Malolo, Nadi, to his workplace. He was struck by a bus near his job location.
Police spokesperson Wame Bautolu confirmed that an investigation into the incident is currently underway.
According to an anonymous witness, the bus was allegedly traveling at a high speed when it collided with the victim. “The man was not wearing a helmet. He must have had a serious head injury given the distance between where he was hit and where he landed,” the witness stated.
Mr. Makoto initially thought his brother’s injuries were minor upon hearing the news of his hospitalization. “But when I arrived at the hospital, I was shocked to see the condition he was in. 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 speak to each other again,” he shared. “The doctors kept updating us about his condition until they declared that he was brain dead. Last week, we were advised to come and say our final goodbyes to him.
“All I wish for is his recovery so he can take care of his young family. He has a one-year-old child,” Mr. Makoto lamented. He further added that his brother had been saving money with hopes of purchasing land to farm.
The victim was the youngest of three siblings. Mr. Makoto described his brother as a hardworking and reserved individual, stating, “He is a very quiet person. He doesn’t speak much, but the work he does speaks volumes about him. We are very close to each other. I miss my brother.”