In a powerful display of solidarity, thousands of dollars have poured in to support the grieving families of a Tongan mother, daughter, and niece who lost their lives in a devastating car crash in New Zealand earlier this week.
Frances (Sesi) Latu-Vailea, her daughter Oneahi Vailea, and niece Marly Tulua were tragically killed when their vehicle crashed on Masters Rd near Waiuku on Tuesday afternoon.
All three were pronounced dead at the scene, leaving family and the wider Tongan community in deep mourning.
Within just eight hours of the fatal accident, a Give A Little fundraising page set up by the family had already raised NZ$10,800—a testament to the outpouring of love and support for those left behind.
The heartbreaking tragedy has left Frances’s husband, Amanaki Vailea, suddenly widowed and now the sole caregiver to their three young sons: Willis (just 8 weeks old), Samasoni (almost 2), and Tuini (12 years old).
The fundraising page explains: “We are raising funds to support both grieving families during this unthinkable time. Your generous donations will help:
Give Amanaki time to grieve without the burden of immediate financial pressures such as the mortgage and household bills.”
The Tongan community in New Zealand and abroad has been urged to continue supporting the Vailea and Tulua families during this painful time.
Donations can be made via the Give A Little page, with every contribution helping to ease the financial strain as they navigate this devastating loss.
The information published along with the Give A Little efforts says:
“Provide essential support as he navigates caring for their young boys and processing such an unimaginable loss.
“Support Marly’s family, who are also mourning deeply while caring for their own young baby and facing the pain of losing Marly, Frances, and Oneahi.
“No words can ease the pain, but your kindness and support can help lighten the heavy load these families are carrying right now.
Any contribution, big or small, will make a difference.”
