Vilisi Verebasoga from Tavualevu Village shared the deep sorrow of losing her husband, Jope Tuivanuavou, 55, who tragically died in a railroad accident in Lausa, Tavua on Wednesday at noon. He was transporting sugarcane to the Lautoka Mill when the locomotive derailed off the sugarcane bridge. A colleague who was with him sustained serious injuries and is currently receiving treatment at Aspen Medical Lautoka Hospital.
Verebasoga described her husband as a devoted man of faith, serving as the senior pastor of the Fiji Evangelical Church’s Tavua branch. She recounted the painful moment she was informed of the accident while at home, emphasizing how significantly it impacted her. Despite the loss, she voiced her gratitude to God, noting that she had been receiving signs leading up to the tragedy, which prompted her to fast for a week.
Reflecting on their last moments together, Verebasoga recalled how her husband had invited the church group to their home after a prayer meeting on Tuesday night. On the morning of the accident, she had a premonition and woke him for prayer. Their last interaction was marked by a hug and farewell as he left for work.
Throughout the week, Tuivanuavou had connected with their children in New Zealand, Kadavu, and at home, reminding them to take care of themselves. His sudden passing has left the family in shock. Verebasoga described him as a humble and caring family man. She finds solace in her faith, quoting Proverbs 19:21, stating, “We may have many plans, but God’s will prevails.”
Funeral arrangements will be finalized following Mr. Tuivanuavou’s post-mortem examination, with relatives from New Zealand expected to arrive next week for the services. He is survived by his wife, eight children, and four grandchildren.