Mum remembers son as jovial, reserved

A Bau, Tailevu man who died in a road accident will be remembered for his strong work ethic and jovial attitude.

Esala Lloyd Tanuku, 21, was hit by a passing vehicle along Queens Road in Martintar, Nadi, early Sunday morning.

His 43-year-old mother, Eta Tanuku, described her eldest son as a reserved young man who spoke little but always carried a positive demeanour.

“He was the eldest of my five children, he is always a quiet person who always wears a smile,” she said.

“We can only hear his voice when he is enjoying his drinks.”

Ms Tanuku said she last met her son in Nadi three weeks before his passing.

“We talked and he always missed his young brother who used to behave like Tom and Jerry,” she added.

The late Mr Tanuku attended Ratu Kadavulevu School and later joined Lelean Memorial School. After Year 13, he opted to find employment in Nadi and worked as a carpenter at the Crowne Plaza Hotel.

“I told him to further his education, but he seemed content with the pay he receives,” Ms Tanuku said.

Police spokesperson Sergeant Wame Bautolu claimed the deceased was drunk and died at the accident scene. 

“The driver is in police custody as an investigation into the incident is underway. We are waiting for the post-mortem examination result,” he said.

The funeral will be held in Bau, Tailevu, on Saturday.