The family were able to find replacement housing. Photo/Daniel Hines
A Tongan family in Auckland is coming to term with the loss of house and the death of their father in one day apart.
A fire has destroyed the Maile’s Mt Roskill home on Tuesday one day before their father Tavalea Maile had lost his battle with cancer on Wednesday.
Fire investigators say the cause of the fire is still undetermined but is not suspicious.
The family are being supported by the school of their children, community and church.
Tavalea had been admitted to hospital hours before their house was caught on fire.
Members of the Tonga College alumni have paid tributes on Facebook to Tavalea.
Most of the tributes have revealed Tavalea was a very talented rugby player when he was at the college.
He was also described as an easy going and generous man.
The family have shared a message with their supporters through ‘Koha Shed – West Auckland’ page on Facebook. this morning.
“Our family has been re-housed after the fire that destroyed everything. Yesterday was the start of dealing with the overwhelming emotions of losing important papers, photos, precious memories and most importantly the sudden loss of Dad/Husband”.
