Grieving mother says she found out about son’s death on social media

Mereani Bawa Ko­toilevuka could not believe her eyes when she saw the news on Facebook - her eldest son, medical prac­titioner and social media personality, Dr Isireli Biu­maitotoya, had died.

The 74-year-old mother said she only learnt of her son's death through social media posts and people's comments. Police have yet to officially inform her of the tragedy.

"I did not want to believe it because I thought the po­lice would contact the fam­ily first," Ms Kotoilevuka said, holding back tears.

"It was shocking, and I could not stop crying."

Fondly known online as 'Leighley (Leli) Darling', Dr Biumaito­toya was found dead in his Namaka home on Monday afternoon.

His workmate, Angelina Chandra, lodged the report after he failed to show up for work and did not an­swer her calls. She also no­ticed his vehicle was miss­ing.

Dr Biumaitotoya, the eld­est of five siblings, was raised by his grandparents before joining his parents in Lautoka during his school years.

A former student of Natabua Primary and Natabua High School, he went on to study at the University of the South Pacific and Fiji School of Medicine. He later opened his own clinic in Namaka, where he worked until his passing.

“He was very hardworking, wise and mature,” his mother said.

“He bought land in Ba in 2017, built a house, and had a home and clinic in Nadi. He always wanted the best for his family.”

Ms Kotoilevuka said her son preferred to live independently and would only gather with family during Christmas or Easter. The grieving mother recalled her late son’s active presence on social media, which often worried his family.

“My children and grandchildren would tell me not to worry because I did not fully understand what he posted,” she said quietly.

“I would remind him to be careful, because times have changed.”

One of Dr Biumaitotoya’s nephews, a medical student, was staying with him in Nadi.

He returned to the house on Monday morning after spending the weekend in Lautoka. He told the family he noticed the gate and door were open, the house was untidy with liquor bottles around, and his uncle’s bedroom door was ajar – but assumed he had left in a hurry.

Only later that evening did he learn from his mother that his uncle had died.

“We are not a well-off family, not known,” Ms Kotoilevuka said, clutching her son’s graduation photos.

“It was through Isireli that we are known.”

Police investigations continue.

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