A young man who was striving to improve his life tragically died in an accident in Lautoka on Saturday morning. Isei Tamanikalou, 21, from Matanagata in Vatukoula, was preparing to return to Fiji National University for an engineering degree.
Authorities reported that he was one of three passengers in a car driven by a 30-year-old man that crashed on Kings Road in Naviyago, near Lautoka. His grandparents are mourning his loss, describing him as a bright and promising individual with a big heart who made a significant impact on everyone he encountered.
His grandmother, Makereta Laulau, is still struggling with the grief of losing him. She remembers their last exchange just hours before the accident, when he mentioned he was heading to Matanagata to see friends.
“He had many friends in the village and enjoyed spending time with them,” she recalled, noting that this conversation was their final interaction.
“He was such a good boy. Always shy and quiet, but with so much love in his heart,” his grandfather, Epitani Tabua, remarked. He emphasized that Isei was well-liked and often helped around the house without asking for much in return.
Having recently completed a certificate in electrical engineering, Tamanikalou’s family was looking forward to his future ambitions. “He was eager to go back to university and determined to create a better life for himself. He was very focused on that goal,” Mr. Tabua said.
One of the most significant relationships in Tamanikalou’s life was with his uncle, Eloni Naidedede, who had raised him. “He always referred to him as ‘dad’ because of their close bond,” Mr. Tabua shared.
“Isei was too young. He had his entire life ahead of him, and accepting his absence is incredibly difficult.”
The police investigation into the accident is currently ongoing.