“It’s still so painful to talk about my daughter’s death.”
These were the sentiments echoed by Seruwaia Seruvakatini as she wept for her daughter, Merewalesi Rokotuitai, who died in a tragic car accident on Christmas Day and was laid to rest at her village in Tonia, Tailevu.
The 22-year-old was killed with her partner, Tei’Ete O’Brien, after the vehicle they were travelling in veered off the road and landed in a creek.
Hundreds of people who gathered at the funeral service could not hold back their emotions as Mrs Seruvakatini’s eerie cries rang out from beside her daughter’s grave.
Mrs Seruvakatini said she last saw her daughter alive when she came with her partner on Christmas Eve to bid farewell as they would be spending Christmas on Vanua Levu with Mr O’Brien’s family.
“I held her and kissed her and told her to be careful during the trip,” Mrs Seruvakatini said.
“I never believed that it would be our final farewell.”
Mrs Seruvakatini said her daughter was a caring daughter who always had time to visit family members and was always happy to lend a helping hand.
“She was my pride and joy and I will surely miss her.”
