The unexpected loss of a father to eight children has left a family in deep sorrow. Vilisi Verebasoga from Tavualevu Village mourns her husband, Jope Tuivanuavou, who tragically passed away at 55 in a locomotive accident in Lausa, Tavua around noon on Wednesday. His colleague was seriously injured and is currently being treated at Aspen Medical Lautoka Hospital.
The two men were transporting sugarcane to the Lautoka Mill when the incident occurred, reportedly due to the locomotive derailing off the Lausa sugarcane bridge. Ms. Verebasoga expressed her grief, noting that her husband was a devoted man of faith and served as the senior pastor for the Fiji Evangelical Church in Tavua.
She shared that she received the devastating news while at home and that it profoundly affected her. Despite the tragedy, she expressed gratitude to God for having prepared her beforehand, as she had been fasting for a week due to signs she believed indicated a forthcoming challenge.
Ms. Verebasoga reflected on their final moments together, recalling how her husband had asked friends to stay over following their prayer meeting on Tuesday night. She felt compelled to wake him for prayer on Wednesday morning, sensing that something might happen. Their last interaction was a warm goodbye after breakfast.
Earlier in the week, Mr. Tuivanuavou had reached out to their children living in New Zealand and Kadavu, reminding them to take care of themselves. His sudden passing has left their children struggling to cope with the loss, as he was known to be a humble and caring family man.
While mourning his absence, Ms. Verebasoga finds solace in her faith, citing Proverbs 19:21, which reassures her that God’s will ultimately prevails. She stated, “I know this is God’s will, so I have to accept it, but I am at peace because he is in the Lord’s hands.”
Funeral arrangements will be made following Mr. Tuivanuavou’s post-mortem, with plans for relatives from New Zealand to arrive next week to attend the services. He is survived by his wife, eight children, and four grandchildren.