“My Nadi Golden Boy is No More”

The dreams of 11-year-old Roger Qoro were shattered on New Year’s Day when he tragically lost his life after being thrown out of a moving vehicle.

The promising young boy, known for his talent and aspirations, was killed in a tragic accident that has left his family heartbroken.

Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding his death, which occurred after he was allegedly thrown from the back tray of a carrier truck while travelling along Natadola.

Roger, a Year 6 student, was with other youths when the vehicle hit a pothole, causing him to be thrown out of the truck and land on the tar sealed road.

The late Roger Qoro.

He was rushed to Sigatoka Hospital. He later died from injuries.

His father Roger Qoro Sr, said the tragic loss marked a painful start to the year.

“My son had so many dreams.”

“He wanted to become an aircraft engineer and dreamt of playing rugby for the national team.

He used to tell me, ‘One day, you’ll see me on TV.’

He was determined, and now all those dreams are gone.”

Roger’s ambitions extended beyond sports, as he was also a talented athlete with aspirations for an athletic tour to New Zealand and Australia.

“He wanted all his medals hanging on the wall in our living room,” his father recalled.

“He excelled in sports and academics—he was a sprinter, a 4x100m gold medallist, and won a silver medal in the Under-11 boys’ long jump event.”

In the classroom, Roger consistently excelled in the top two of his year group from Year 1 to Year 6.

“He was expected to be appointed as the deputy head boy this year at Sabeto District School,” his father added.

“He worked so hard, always striving to be the best.”

Mr Qoro went on to share that Roger was a boy with many talents.

“He always led our family devotion and never missed his prayer time or Sunday services.

He was a very hardworking boy. On New Year’s Eve, we were cleaning the yard, cutting the grass together. He was always full of energy and enthusiastic.”

His coaches fondly referred to him as the “Nadi Golden Boy,” a nickname that spoke to his potential and popularity in the community.

The tragic accident occurred on a church picnic trip to Natadola.

“He travelled with church members on the bus, and on the way back, he followed his friends to board the carrier. The carrier was carrying the tent used for the picnic,” Mr Qoro told.

While at work, Mr Qoro was unaware of the tragedy unfolding.

“I called my wife, asking when they would return,” he said.

“She told me they had just arrived, and I began searching for Roger. I was told he had followed his friends to the carrier. A few minutes later, my wife called again and told me that Roger had fallen off the carrier and was rushed to the hospital.”

Mr Qoro was worried yet hopeful, and contacted his cousin for more information.

“They said the doctors were treating him and that he would be rushed to Lautoka Aspen Hospital. I was preparing to pack his clothes and go see him when I received another call that would change everything.

“I could only hear the crying on the other end of the phone,” Mr Qoro recalled, breaking down in tears.

“I knew something was wrong. I was told that Roger had passed away. I couldn’t believe it. I cried all night. How could this happen? Why him? He was our pride. He made us so proud—both in school and in sports.”

His last conversation with his son still echoes in his heart.

“I can still remember his last call to me on New Year’s Eve. He was coming back from throwing water with his friends around the village. He said, ‘Ta! (Dad).’ I told him to go to sleep. That was the last time I heard his voice.”

Assistant Commissioner of Police Operations, Livai Driu, expressed his sadness over the incident.

“This is indeed a tragic loss. Despite our ongoing calls for road safety during the festive season, and the presence of police on the roads, such incidents still occur due to drivers’ negligence. Police cannot be everywhere, continuously reminding drivers of their responsibilities.”

Roger’s body remains at Sigatoka Hospital, where it is awaiting a post-mortem.

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