A young man striving to improve his life and that of his family tragically died in an accident in Lautoka on Saturday morning. Isei Tamanikalou, 21, from Matanagata in Vatukoula, had plans to return to Fiji National University to study engineering.
According to police, he was one of three passengers in a vehicle driven by a 30-year-old man that crashed on Kings Road in Naviyago, just outside Lautoka. His grieving grandparents expressed their sorrow, describing Tamanikalou as a bright and kind-hearted young man who left a positive mark on everyone he encountered.
His grandmother, Makereta Laulau, reflected on their last interaction just hours before the tragic event. “We had just returned from church, and he told me he was going to Matanagata to visit friends,” she shared. That was the last time Laulau saw her grandson.
“He was such a good boy. Always shy and quiet, but with so much love in his heart,” his grandfather, Epitani Tabua, remembered. He noted that Tamanikalou was well-liked in the community, always cheerful, and willing to help around the house without asking for much in return.
Having recently completed a certificate in electrical engineering, Tamanikalou’s family had high hopes for his future. “He was excited to return to university and expressed determination to build a better life for himself. He was fully focused on this goal,” Tabua stated.
A significant relationship in Tamanikalou’s life was with his uncle, Eloni Naidedede, who adopted him as a child. “He always referred to him as ‘dad’ due to their close connection. They shared a very special bond,” his grandfather added. “Isei was too young. He had his whole life ahead of him, making it incredibly difficult to come to terms with his loss.”
An investigation into the incident by the police is currently underway.