A Tongan father who died after being electrocuted at a construction site was laid to rest on Wednesday at the Northshore Memorial Park, Auckland.
Wesley Talakai, 38, was delivering timber to the worksite of a house being built on Tauhinu Road in Greenhithe, Auckland on August 5, a Daily Mail report says.
Mr Talakai was helping to unload the timber from his truck as a crane operator tried to move the packets of wood.
But the tradesman was electrocuted when the raised crane accidentally touched high voltage power lines that were above Mr Talakai’s truck during the operation.
Emergency services were called to the construction site by the owner but Mr Talakai died at the scene.
Mr Talakai leaves behind a wife, Tasha Talakai, and two boys aged 12 and five.
His funeral is scheduled for next week with family from Tonga set to fly over to attend.
The family has also received support from the local Tongan community in Auckland.
Lisa McKenzie, who is a close friend of Ms Talakai’s, reflected on the tragedy.
‘They are the nicest, most loving family. He was so devoted to her and anyone they came into contact with, they carried light and were nice to everyone, and like a really sweet family,’ she told the New Zealand Herald.
‘It’s sad for anybody but heart-wrenching for this family because they were so closely connected.’
Ms McKenzie has set up a Givealittle page to support the family which will go towards covering their bills.
‘Let’s help this beautiful Christian homeschooling family through our donations, which will allow a bit of breathing space, by paying to keep a roof over their heads, food, electricity, and other basic necessities,’ she wrote.
WorkSafe has commenced an investigation into the incident.
The investigation could take up to 12 months.
