Vilisi Verebasoga from Tavualevu Village is grappling with the unexpected loss of her husband, Jope Tuivanuavou, who died tragically in a locomotive accident at Lausa, Tavua, on Wednesday afternoon. The 55-year-old was involved in transporting sugarcane to the Lautoka Mill when the incident occurred, reportedly due to the locomotive derailing off the sugarcane bridge. A colleague of Mr. Tuivanuavou remains hospitalized with serious injuries.
Reflecting on her loss, Ms. Verebasoga described her husband as a devoted man of faith, serving as the senior pastor of the Fiji Evangelical Church Tavua branch. She recounted the moment she received the devastating news while at home. Despite her grief, she expressed gratitude, noting she had been spiritually prepared for this moment through a week of fasting.
The couple had shared a meaningful prayer meeting the night before his passing, after which Mr. Tuivanuavou invited their church group to stay overnight at their home. On the morning of the accident, Ms. Verebasoga sensed something might happen and insisted they pray together. They shared a warm breakfast and a final embrace before he left for work.
In the days leading up to his death, Mr. Tuivanuavou had reached out to their children living in New Zealand, Kadavu, and at home, offering them words of care and encouragement. His family, including his eight children and four grandchildren, are struggling to comprehend the suddenness of his passing. Ms. Verebasoga noted that her husband was a humble, caring individual devoted to his family.
While mourning his absence, she finds solace in her faith, citing Proverbs 19:21, which reminds her that God’s will prevails. Arrangements for Mr. Tuivanuavou’s funeral are pending the completion of his post-mortem examination, with family from New Zealand expected to arrive next week for the services.