Losing her husband unexpectedly has left Vilisi Verebasoga, a resident of Tavualevu Village and mother of eight, in deep sorrow. Jope Tuivanuavou, 55, died immediately following a locomotive accident in Lausa, Tavua, around noon on Wednesday. His colleague sustained serious injuries and is currently receiving treatment at Aspen Medical Lautoka Hospital.
The two men were transporting sugarcane to the Lautoka Mill when the tragedy occurred. Eyewitness accounts suggest that the locomotive derailed from the Lausa sugarcane bridge.
“My late husband was a devoted man of God, serving as the senior pastor for the Fiji Evangelical Church Tavua branch,” Ms. Verebasoga said. “I was at home when I received a call from one of his co-workers informing me of the incident. It hit me hard. Yet, despite everything, I choose to thank God. I had fasted for a week, sensing that I was preparing for something significant.”
She reminisced about their last moments together, noting that after a prayer meeting on Tuesday night, her husband invited the group to stay overnight at their home. “On Wednesday morning, I woke him up to pray, as I had a feeling something could happen. After our prayer, he had breakfast, hugged me goodbye, and left for work. That was our final conversation.”
Earlier that week, Mr. Tuivanuavou expressed concern for their children living in New Zealand and Kadavu, reminding them to take care of themselves. “Our children are struggling to cope with his sudden passing. He was a humble, nurturing, healthy family man,” Ms. Verebasoga stated.
“While we deeply miss him, I find solace in my faith. Proverbs 19:21 says, ‘We may have many plans, but God’s will prevails.’ I believe this is God’s will, and though it is hard, I am at peace knowing he is in the Lord’s hands.”
Funeral arrangements will be finalized following Mr. Tuivanuavou’s post-mortem examination. “Our relatives from New Zealand will be arriving next week, and we expect to hold the funeral then,” she added.
Mr. Tuivanuavou leaves behind his wife, eight children, and four grandchildren.