A family of five began the New Year mourning the tragic loss of 10-year-old Kiliaoni Lili Qalotaki, whose body was found floating in the Navua River yesterday.
Police confirmed the body was that of the 10-year-old student, who was swept away by strong currents while swimming with friends in the Raiwaqa River on December 28.
His father, 45-year-old pastor Semi Qalotaki, shared the heartbreaking details of the incident, recounting how his son had been playing with friends when they convinced him to join them for a swim.
“We planned to decorate the church for Sunday service while the children played,” Mr Qalotaki said.
“The rugby ball they played with got stuck on the roof, so they joined the cleaning.
“After cleaning, Kiliaoni and his siblings went home, but their friends followed them.
“One of them asked Kiliaoni to join them for a swim.
“I initially said no, but they persisted and told me their mother would accompany them. Just minutes later, they came running back saying “Lili had been taken by the current”.”
For three days, the family, locals, police, and Fiji Navy searched for the youngster’s body.
Yesterday morning, their search ended with the discovery of the boy’s remains.
“This has been an incredibly difficult phase for us, but we are grateful and at peace knowing his body has been found and that he is with the Lord.”
He described Lili as mischievous yet deeply supportive of the church and a leader among his friends.
“We were supposed to enjoy New Year’s in Suva with family.
“Lili was excited about the firecrackers his relatives abroad had sent.”
He also expressed gratitude to the two tourist ventures in the area, River Tubing and Jewel of Fiji, who assisted in the search efforts.
Police are continuing their investigations.
A post-mortem examination was conducted yesterday.
