POLICE Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu is yet to verify the leaked medical cause of death certificate for Jone Vakarisi.
The media yesterday pressed police to confirm the authenticity of documents circulating online which claimed Mr Vakarisi died from asphyxia brought on by a chain of severe traumatic injuries.
According to the unverified report, the immediate cause of death was the inability to breathe, medically termed asphyxia, allegedly caused after the victim aspirated gastric contents, where stomach contents enter the airway and lungs, obstructing normal breathing.
The same document further outlined that the death was the final stage of multiple critical injuries, including severe traumatic head injuries and significant chest damage.
It also referenced bilateral haemothorax, a condition involving blood accumulation in both sides of the chest cavity, as well as extensive bleeding within the lungs, with additional contributing factors listed as haemorrhage and severe chest trauma.
The report concluded that the injuries were consistent with severe blunt force trauma to the head and chest.
Instead, Mr Tudravu confirmed only that investigations were ongoing.
“Investigation is being conducted with regards to the death of Jone Vakarisi following the official lodgment of the report on 17 April, 2026,” he said.
He added that the heads of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces and the Fiji Police Force had agreed to allow the legal process to take its course.
“At the initial stage of the investigation, the post mortem was conducted, and the result is now with the investigators for further investigation.”
Police say the investigation is ongoing and further updates will be provided in due course.
