Tonga’s darts community is mourning the death of promising young player Tuʻilea, who died over the weekend.
The Tonga Darts Association announced his death in a tribute, describing Tuʻilea as a young, up-and-coming member of Tonga’s “darting family” whose life had been cut short.
Kaniva News understands that his full name was Fituʻilea Kilifi Jr Kalavaki.
Tuʻilea had played for the highly competitive Nakolo Raiders and most recently competed in the Heilala Open, where he advanced to the knockout stages.
The association said his performances demonstrated considerable “skill, talent and promise”.
“His time with us was far too short,” the association said as it extended its sympathy and condolences to Tuʻilea’s family, friends and teammates.
The circumstances surrounding his death were not disclosed in the association’s announcement.
Members of the darts community are also being invited to support Tuʻilea’s family, with a donation box being made available at a darts gathering following the announcement.
The association said contributions would go towards helping his family during the difficult period.
Tributes have since poured in from members of Tonga’s darts community, with players remembering Tuʻilea not only for his talent but also for his personality.
Among those paying tribute was David Corbett, who partnered Tuʻilea during the Heilala tournament and remembered him as a “good darts player”, saying the young player had carried much of the workload during their partnership.
Tuʻilea was also remembered for his personality, with fellow darts player Derek Leonard describing him as a “beautiful talent, taken too soon” whose unassuming attitude and quick smile would not be forgotten.
The loss was particularly painful for those close to him. Mele Sopu described Tuʻilea as her “little brother”, saying he would be deeply missed and sending her love in a heartfelt farewell.
Condolences continued to fill the Tonga Darts Association’s announcement, with Vinesh Prasad, Mele Chambers, Deborah Akeimo, Edward Roxburgh and others expressing sympathy to his family and the wider darts community.
Tuʻilea’s death has brought an early end to what the association regarded as a promising future in the sport, following his recent appearance among the knockout-stage competitors at the Heilala Open.
