There were moving scenes today as the body of tragic teenager Jessica Kiutau was laid to rest in Manukau, Memorial Garden.
The 17-year-old was found dead at her South Auckland home in mysterious circumstances last weekend although the family have an explanation to those who attended her funeral about what they believed had caused their loved one to leave them so early.
Kaniva understands it would take time for the authority to officially determine the cause of Jessica’s death.
Hundreds of family and friends gathered to say their farewell to the young woman this morning in a farewell service that began with a Mass at the Holy Cross Church in Papatoetoe.
Laid to rest in a black coffin, a single picture of Ms Kiutau was placed by her coffin by her parents Ponita and Lolesio Kiutau.
Many of young teen’s schoolmates from McAuley High School held back their tears as her remains arrived at the church and at the cemetery.
Many wore their school uniforms and held up photos of the late teen. Some of them carried Jessica’s coffin from the church to a waiting black hearse before she was taken to the cemetery.
At the cemetery the students performed an emotional Maori Haka to honour their school mate while families and friends wept the last moment before Jessica was laid to rest.
Many took to Facebook including friends and relatives who said the family were trying to come to terms with their loss.
Jessica’s death has left a huge void at the heart of our whole family, one family commentator said on Facebook.
Seini Vito Wairasi said Jessica was a “quiet and well-behaved girl”.
