A young man, eager to improve his life and support his family, tragically died in an accident in Lautoka on Saturday morning. Isei Tamanikalou, a 21-year-old from Matanagata in Vatukoula, was planning to resume his studies at Fiji National University to pursue an engineering degree.
According to police, Tamanikalou was one of three passengers in a vehicle driven by a 30-year-old man that crashed on Kings Road in Naviyago, near Lautoka. His grandparents, who are still grappling with their loss, described him as a bright, kind-hearted young man who made a significant impact on everyone he encountered.
His grandmother, Makereta Laulau, recalled their last conversation just hours before the accident. They had returned from church when Tamanikalou mentioned he was going to visit friends in Matanagata. “He had many friends in the village and loved spending time with them,” she said, reflecting on that final moment together.
His grandfather, Epitani Tabua, remembered him as a shy but loving person. “He was always cheerful and well-liked,” he said. “He enjoyed helping around the house and never sought much for himself.” Tamanikalou had recently finished a certificate in electrical engineering, and his family was excited about his future endeavors. “He was eager to return to university and was determined to create a better life for himself,” Tabua added.
One of Tamanikalou’s strongest connections was with his uncle, Eloni Naidedede, who adopted him as a child. “He always referred to him as ‘dad’ due to their close relationship,” Tabua stated. “Isei was so young, and he had his entire life ahead of him. It’s incredibly hard to accept that he’s no longer here.”
A police investigation into the accident is currently underway.