A Land and Titles Court Judge died suddenly this morning during an ava ceremony at the courthouse in Mulinuu. 

Several staff from the Ministry of Justice Courts and Administration confirmed the incident occured around 9 am. 

The officials, who were not authorised to speak to the media, said the Judge appeared to have had a heart attack. 

"When the ambulance arrived he was taken to the hospital," said one member of staff. 

"There was no sign of life when we saw him..." 

Another staff member said the L.T.C. Judge had recently joined the bench. 

Attempts are being made to get a comment from the Chief Executive Officer of M.J.C.A., Moliei Simi Vaai. 

The President of L.T.C. Fepuleai Atilla Ropati was in a meeting with the Judges as of the afternoon. 

It was not possible to obtain a comment from him.