Captain Smith Dies On His Way To Bury Mum

The family of Captain Jonathan Smith are still coming to terms with his sudden death after receiving news of a road accident that claimed his life.

The Fiji Police yesterday confirmed that the late Captain Smith was the latest road fatality victim.

Police said that the victim allegedly lost control of the vehicle he was driving, causing it to veer off the road at the junction of M. N Naidu Rd and Drasa Avenue, Lautoka at around 5am yesterday.

Police said he was rushed to the Lautoka Hospital, and was unfortunately pronounced dead on arrival.

It is believed that he was on his way to attend his mother’s funeral in Lautoka.

Condolence messages flooded Captain Smith’s Facebook page with many reminiscing about their last moments with him.

Eldest son, Tristan Smith confirmed receiving news of his father’s tragic death. However the family has requested that their privacy be respected at this time

Captain Smith was the Operations Manager for Dive Centre Fiji Limited where he led a group of divers that salvaged wrecks at sea.

Prior to this role, he started as a cadet, second officer, chief officer on foreign going cargo ships operating out of Australia and New Zealand.

He later moved to Fiji as a Captain, sailing around Fiji as well as the Pacific with his other notable achievements including captaining the traditional ocean-going canoe Uto Ni Yalo between 2010 and 2012.

Captain Smith travelled extensively during the course of his maritime career and spent a lot of his recent time at the Royal Suva Yacht Club, where he carried out his marine engineering work.

He was also a marine activist.

He is survived by his wife and four children

Police said a post mortem would be conducted to determine the cause of death.

Edited by Losirene Lacanivalu

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