Peni Loea Musie, 44, was not so sure whether or not he would go to Tonga and his ‘Aholelei family were surprised when he contacted them last week and said he was coming.
But he was killed in a horrific accident in Tonga over the weekend and his body will be buried in Kolonga next week.
His wife Maama Niupalau and their only daughter as well as family in New Zealand have just left Auckland for the kingdom to farewell him.
Musie was in Tonga to join his father’s maternal side’s family reunion – the ‘Aholelei.
He was one of the three people killed when the rental car they were travelling in hit a coconut tree on Talasiu Road near Kolonga on Saturday 16.
The other two victims had been named by Police as Sonatane Lātū, 14, and Tangiloto ʻAholelei, 25 who was also the driver.
A fourth person, Soakimi Kanongataʻa, 21, was severely injured.
All the victims were from Kolonga and have connections to the ‘Aholelei family.
Tangiloto was married with children and his parents live in the United States. Lātū was staying in Kolonga.
Musie’s youngest sister Simaima, who lives in New Zealand, told Kaniva News in a telephone interview that they decided to bury Musie in Tonga because their mother was still there with most of their siblings.
Simaima said Musie rented the car. He and his friends were celebrating their reunion before he was due to leave for Auckland.
She said Musie worked for the New Zealand Fire Services for about five years before he took another job.
Police said alcohol and speed were factors that contributed to the fatal incident.
The horrific accident came after three people were killed in a car accident in ‘Ahau on July 9 after the car they were travelling in hit a toa tree on Hihifo Rd near ‘Ahau. One woman survived with severe injuries, Police confirmed alcohol and speeding were factors in the fatal crash.
The main points
- Peni Loea Musie was not so sure whether or not he would go to Tonga and his ‘Aholelei family were surprised when he contacted them last week and said he was coming.
- But he was killed in a horrific accident in Tonga on the weekend and his body will be buried in Kolonga next week.
- His wife Maama and their only daughter as well as family in New Zealand have just left Auckland for the kingdom to farewell him.
- Musie was in Tonga to join his father’s maternal side’s family reunion – the ‘Aholelei.
