A CRAVING for a homemade pie was all it took for 26-year-old police officer Atonio Peni T Nagata to leave home in search of breakfast ingredients on Tuesday evening.
But what began as a simple trip to Navua ended in tragedy, with the young father never returning to his wife and three children after a fatal head-on collision along Queens Rd near Nabukavesi at about 7pm.
Before leaving, Mr Nagata had asked for a family picture, a moment that would become especially painful for his loved ones after his sudden death.
Inset: Family pictures Nagata took before
his death. Picture: ROSALIA TUI
His mother, Baulina Tabuamoli, said he had wanted his wife, Sereima Ditini, to bake pie for breakfast the next day, but their village shop did not have butter and some other ingredients.
“He then bathed the children, took a shower and told us he was going to Navua to buy the ingredients for the pie,” she said.
It was his day off so earlier that day Mr Nagata, who was based at the Samabula Police Station in Suva, took his wife and children to Suva “for a breath of fresh air”.
The family was at home when they were informed of an accident involving the vehicle he was driving.
For his mother, the journey to Navua Hospital was filled with hope that her only son had suffered minor injuries.
Instead, she was confronted with the devastating sight of his lifeless body covered by a white sheet.
“I kept telling myself that he was OK, that he was only hurt but would return home.
“It hurts me deeply that I have lost my only child.”
Her husband is currently working in Australia and she said her son had stepped up to support the family.
Police confirmed that two 26-year-old drivers died in the head-on collision.
Mrs Tabuamoli urged motorists to drive responsibly.
“Drive slowly with caution and care.”
Grieving mother Baulina Tabuamoli at
their home in Nabukavesi,
Namosi.Picture: ROSALIA TUI
Mr Nagata leaves behind his wife and children, Peni Junior who attends kindergarten, four-year-old Raijeli Tatola and two-month-old Saviriano.
He was the sole breadwinner for his family. Those wishing to assist his wife and children can contribute through M-PAiSA on 8337471.
