The tragic death of 39-year-old Sikeli Nawaqa in Perth, Australia, has left his family in Fiji heartbroken. Nawaqa was reported to be driving a vehicle that went off the road and crashed into a tree, resulting in his untimely death.
Originally from Nayawa in Nadroga and with maternal ties to Naceva, Beqa, Nawaqa was in Perth with three other Fijian men who sustained injuries in the accident. They were airlifted to Perth Hospital around 7 PM on Sunday.
His devastated wife, Sulueti Naula, 37, expressed her sorrow, emphasizing her concern for their four children left behind. “When I heard the news, my thoughts were only on my four children that I now have to care for alone,” she shared.
Naula recounted how a pastor, whom they lived with in Perth, visited the hospital for updates that morning. After about two hours, she received a call from Nawaqa’s employer. “Seeing his call, I immediately knew it was about my husband. I couldn’t answer; I just sat in my bedroom, sobbing,” Naula recalled.
Just a day before the incident, the couple discussed plans for their 18-year-old son to study abroad. Nawaqa had applied for overseas work through the National Employment Centre (NEC) under the Ministry of Employment two years ago, and had been frequently traveling for work. At the time of his passing, he held a supervisor position at the Agri Fresh Citrus Farm.
Naula described her husband as a dedicated worker and a loving father. Meanwhile, his father, Inoke Nawaqa, reported that the family is currently making funeral arrangements.