Family, kāinga and friends of Lisiate Kautai paid their last respects to the 16-year-old boy on Saturday 16 at Loma cemetery in Lapaha.
Police have launched an investigation after Kautai’s body was found with serious head injuries on a roadside at Lapaha on Sunday 11. He was rushed to Vaiola Hospital at about 3am but died after about six hours.
Students from Takuilau College, where Kautai was a form 5 student last year, lined up at the Sangato Mikaele Church compound yesterday where some of them carried his body into the church for his last Mass.
After the Mass about a hundred mourners marched in silence led by Takuilau College band while his body was escorted to his resting place.
Kautai’s friends and family took to Facebook to write and commented on photos and videos taken on the funeral of their family member.
Akata Kautai Vunileva commented: “Thank you for taking pictures and videos for us to see from the other side of the world RIP dear cousin until that glorious morning”.
Peter Hind said: “a very very sad occasion for the Kautai family, for Takuilau and the Lapaha community. With love”.
After watching the video and expressing how she felt in Tongan, Katinia Taulanga Tukuafu, said: “..I just wish those who were responsible watched this video”.
Emily Vu Lelea said: “Rest sweetly in Heaven Lisiate. May justice brought upon the hands [that] shed your blood. Condolences to the family and those most closest to him”.
