Prisoner died at hospital

By Pai Mulitalo Ale 14 January 2016, 12:00AM

Efforts to save the life of a prisoner who required urgent medical treatment on Sunday night were unsuccessful. 

Tautai Fata, 52, of Afega died at the Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital.

This was confirmed by the Assistant Commissioner at Tafa’igata Prison, Sagaga Galu Frost, yesterday.

According to Sagaga, Fata was taken to the hospital on Sunday at 11am when he was not feeling well. He was treated and he returned with medication before 1pm. 

 “But it was around 7pm that the prison officers had to rush him again to the hospital,” he said.

“The doctors tried to treat him but unfortunately he passed away.” 

Sagaga said Fata was a leader in one of the cells and he was heavily relied upon by the Prison authorities to help them deal with other prisoners.

Fata, a father of five and the husband of Fululupe, was described as a quiet person. Sagaga said he was highly respected in the prison as he spoke to other prisoners like a father.

Fata was jailed five years after he was found guilty for theft as a servant in 2010. He had applied for parole last year but his application was deferred to be considered this year.

 “He was very happy when he asked me to allow him to stay at his family to wait for his children from overseas this year,” said Sagaga 

“He was very excited.”

Fululupe said it saddens her because she could not be there for her husband when was sick.

 “I wished we had cared for him till his last breath,” Fululupe said, adding that he suffered from diabetes and high blood pressure. 

 “He was very happy because our children had finally travelled to Samoa for the festive season; they bought a new car and also he was so hurt seeing them leave again.” 

Fata’s final service will be held next Tuesday. 

By Pai Mulitalo Ale 14 January 2016, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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