Dreams Shattered in Tragedy

A young man, determined to build a better life for himself and his family, tragically lost his life in an accident in Lautoka on Saturday morning.

Isei Tamanikalou, 21, from Matanagata in Vatukoula, was planning to return to Fiji National University to pursue a degree in engineering.

Police confirmed he was one of three passengers in a vehicle driven by a 30-year-old man, which crashed along Kings Road in Naviyago, outside Lautoka.

His grandparents, still overwhelmed with grief, described Mr Tamanikalou as a bright, promising young man with an enormous heart, who left a lasting impression on everyone he met.

His grandmother, Makereta Laulau, is still grappling with the pain of his loss.

She recalls their last conversation, just hours before the accident.

“We had just returned from church, and he told me he was going to Matanagata to visit friends,” she recalled.

“He had so many friends in the village and loved spending time with them.”

That was the last she saw of 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 happy-go-lucky and well-liked by everyone. He loved helping around the house and never asked for much.”

Mr Tamanikalou had recently completed a certificate in electrical engineering, and his family was eagerly looking forward to his future.

“He was excited to return to university and told me how determined he was to create a better life for himself. He was so focused on achieving that goal,” Mr Tabua said.

One of the closest relationships in Mr Tamanikalou’s life was with his uncle, Eloni Naidedede, who had adopted him as a child.

“He always called him ‘dad’ because of how close they were. They had a very special bond,” Mr Tabua said.

“Isei was too young. He had his whole life ahead of him, and it’s so hard to accept that he’s gone.”

Police investigation into the incident is ongoing.

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