A young man with aspirations for a better future lost his life in a tragic accident in Lautoka on Saturday morning. Isei Tamanikalou, 21, from Matanagata in Vatukoula, was planning to return to Fiji National University to study engineering.
According to police, Tamanikalou was among three passengers in a vehicle driven by a 30-year-old man when it crashed along Kings Road in Naviyago, near Lautoka. His grandparents, who are heartbroken over his passing, described him as a bright and kind individual who left a significant impact on those around him.
His grandmother, Makereta Laulau, reflected on their last conversation shortly before the accident. “We had just come back from church, and he mentioned he was going to Matanagata to visit friends,” she recalled. “He had many friends in the village and enjoyed spending time with them.”
That was the last time she saw him. “He was such a good boy. Always shy and quiet, but with so much love in his heart,” his grandfather, Epitani Tabua, said. “He was always cheerful and well-liked by everyone, helping around the house without asking for much.”
Tamanikalou had recently completed a certificate in electrical engineering, and his family was eagerly anticipating his academic journey. “He was excited to go back to university and was determined to create a better life for himself. He was focused on achieving that goal,” Mr. Tabua noted.
One of the closest relationships in Tamanikalou’s life was with his uncle, Eloni Naidedede, who had taken him in as a child. “He always referred to him as ‘dad’ because they were so close. They shared a very special bond,” Mr. Tabua added. “Isei was so young. He had his entire future ahead of him, and it’s incredibly difficult to accept that he is gone.”
Authorities are continuing their investigation into the incident.