A man who was to visit his wife in December in New Zealand has died after sustaining serious injuries from an early morning accident on Sunday.

Semi Vetaukula was allegedly bumped by a car allegedly driven by a 23-year-old mechanic at around 2am on Sunday, Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro said.

He was initially taken to the Nakasi Health Centre and then to the CWM Hospital where he was on life support.

After receiving advice from the doctor, his wife agreed to remove his life support. He died on Sunday afternoon.

The 57-year-old of Sawaieke Village in Gau was described as a kind, hardworking and selfless individual.

At their house in Nakasi yesterday, his sister, Nunia Rokomalani, said it was hard for them to accept her brother’s death.

He was the second youngest of seven siblings.

“My brother left home on Saturday at about 6pm to go to his friend’s place,” she said.

“We received a call from Police at around 4am telling us to go Nakasi Health Centre and to bring his extra change,” Ms Rokomalani said.

But upon arrival they were informed that Mr Vetaukula had been transferred to the CWM Hospital and was on life support.

“My brother got married on May 20, 2022 and his wife lives in New Zealand.”

“He was supposed to visit his wife in December and was doing his paperwork,” Ms Rokomalani said.

Ms Rokomalani said post- mortem examination report said he sustained severe head injury.

“His wife may arrive in the country on Thursday or Friday and we plan to have the funeral next Tuesday but it will all depend on when the wife arrives,” she said.

Police continue investigation, Ms Naisoro said.

Story By: WATI TALEBULA-NUKU

Feedback: wati.talebula@fijisun.com.fj