A family of five is in mourning as they begin the New Year after the tragic loss of 10-year-old Kiliaoni Lili Qalotaki. His body was found floating in the Navua River yesterday, a somber discovery following a Christmas swimming incident that took place on December 28 when Kiliaoni was swept away by strong currents in the Raiwaqa River while swimming with friends.

Kiliaoni’s father, Pastor Semi Qalotaki, shared the heartbreaking circumstances surrounding his son’s death. He recounted how Kiliaoni had been playing with friends when they encouraged him to join them for a swim. Despite initially declining, the allure of swimming with friends, alongside the assurance that an adult would accompany them, led Kiliaoni to change his mind. However, moments later, his friends returned in distress, alerting his family that he had been taken by the current.

The community rallied together, with family members, local residents, police, and the Fiji Navy joining searches that spanned three days in an effort to find Kiliaoni. Their efforts concluded with the tragic discovery of the young boy’s remains yesterday, bringing a sense of closure to an agonizing waiting period.

In the face of this heartbreaking loss, Pastor Qalotaki expressed profound grief but also a sense of gratitude that his son’s body was recovered. He took solace in his belief that Kiliaoni is now at peace with the Lord and remembered him as a mischievous yet supportive child with leadership qualities among his friends.

Despite the tragedy, Pastor Qalotaki reflected on the joy Kiliaoni had brought to their lives, sharing that the family had planned to celebrate the New Year together in Suva, where Kiliaoni was excited about firecrackers sent by relatives living abroad. He also extended gratitude to the local businesses, River Tubing and Jewel of Fiji, for their assistance in the search efforts.

As police continue their investigation and a post-mortem examination was carried out, the family is left to navigate a devastating loss, supported by the community during this difficult time.

This incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of water activities, and highlights the importance of supervision and safety measures, especially for young children. The outpouring of support from the community reflects a shared commitment to coming together in times of tragedy, underscoring the resilience that can emerge from such heartache.