The late Tikoisuva Paula (known as Tiko), was described as a happy boy who would never show anger.

This was how his aunt Avisaki Nacoro described her 19-year-old nephew, who died after he was suspected to have drowned at Serea Village in Naitasiri after attending a funeral.

Ms Nacoro said it was hard for them to accept that her nephew was no more. Mr Paula was from Nakobo Village in Savusavu, Cakaudrove, with maternal links to Ravitaki Village in Kadavu.

“He came to visit me last year. He has been with my family for four months now. Last Thursday, our neighbour asked if they could go to Serea Village for a funeral. I told them not to go,” Ms Nacoro said.

“They went to my husband who was at work to ask him if they could go to Serea Village and he said yes. They went together and I did not know that it would be the last time we see him.

“He was someone who was always happy and never angry. He was a good child. When I was told of what happened I cried, I did not know that when he went, he took all his clothes and I did not know that would be the last time we would meet each other.

“This morning (yesterday) we were told that his body was found and taken to Vunidawa Hospital. We were told that a post mortem will be conducted, and we will be informed of the result.

“I have called his parents and told them the news of what happened. When I told them, they were shocked. We are all waiting for the post mortem and will determine when he will be buried.”

Police spokesperson Wame Bautolu said it is believed that Mr Paula is believed to have drowned at Serea, Naitasiri on Monday after 1pm.

“The body is at Vunidawa mortuary awaiting post mortem. This is two cases of drowing compared to four same period last year,” he said.

Feedback:  wati.talebula@fijisun.com.fj