The tragic death of 39-year-old Fijian Sikeli Nawaqa in Perth, Australia, has left his wife and four children in Fiji devastated. Nawaqa’s passing made headlines in Australia after he lost control of his vehicle, crashing into a tree.
Originally from Nayawa in Nadroga, with family ties to Naceva, Beqa, Nawaqa was traveling with three other Fijian men who sustained injuries and were airlifted to a Perth hospital around 7 p.m. on Sunday.
His wife, Sulueti Naula, 37, expressed her despair, focusing on the impact his death has on their children. “A pastor they lived with in Perth went to the hospital that morning to get an update. After about two hours, I received a call from his boss. Just seeing that call, I knew it was about my husband. I couldn’t answer; I just sat in my bedroom, sobbing,” she said.
Naula recalled their final conversation on Saturday, where they discussed plans for their 18-year-old son to study abroad. Nawaqa had applied for overseas work through the National Employment Centre two years ago and had been traveling frequently for his job.
At the time of his death, he held a supervisory position at Agri Fresh Citrus Farm. Naula characterized her husband as a dedicated family man. His father, Inoke Nawaqa, stated that the family is currently making funeral arrangements.