Family of deceased share story

By Adel Fruean 25 February 2020, 10:00PM

The family of a 62-year-old man from Matautu, Falealili who was reported to have died last week Tuesday have opened up about the cause of his death.

The deceased has been identified as Meni Pea who was also a father of four children.


Last week, Police Commissioner, Fuiavailiili Egon Keil told the Samoa Observer that the Police have launched an investigation into the cause of death.

Mr. Pea did not die of drowning according to his youngest sibling, Tepatuanai Viiga.

“Some news reports have said that my brother died from drowning but I want to set the record straight by saying that these are false information,” Mr. Viiga said.

The 58-year-old from Matautu, Falealili added that there was only one eye witness account during his brother’s last moments.

“One of the villagers who went to get collect firewood saw that my brother went fishing while it was raining.

“The witness heard a voice that was calling for help which led to him swimming to out to sea to get my brother.

“My brother told his savior that he had an asthma attack and his rescuer did CPR on the beach but his life ended peacefully moments later.”

He added that the rescuer then took him to the nearest family.

“The family used their car and brought my brother straight to our family and then we took him to Poutasi District Hospital.

“A doctor told us that there was no indication that the patient was still alive upon arrival at the hospital.

“We believe that if a person has died then it is God’s will and the doctor asked whether we take him to do x-rays but I said that he did not drown.”

Mr. Viiga added that their family is planning to bury his brother sometime this week depending on the pastor’s arrival.

“We feel so much love for my beloved brother, our fondest memories of him is chatting and sharing stories and sometimes playing games.

“He loves his relatives especially my children. He separated with his wife and has lived by himself but he eats with us.

“My brother and I have so much respect for each other yet he is older but I am the high chief of our family.”

He added that Mr. Pea’s life revolved around serving the church.

“He is dearly missed by all of us.

"We also cleared everything with police and court has given the okay."

By Adel Fruean 25 February 2020, 10:00PM
Samoa Observer

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