The Government official, Tofilau Puni Maatusi, who was found lifeless under the Lelata Bridge in February, was laid to rest on Saturday morning. 

He was a Samoa Fire and Emergency Services Authority (S.F.E.S.A.) official for 20 years.

Tofilau was laid to rest at Matautu, Falealili, the F.E.S.A. Commissioner, Tanuvasa Petone Mauga told this newspaper. 

Deputy Police Commissioner Auapaau Logoitino Filipo confirmed that his body was cleared after his post mortem was complete earlier this week. 

Social media was flooded with tributes for the long-serving F.E.S.A. Station Officer, hailed as a hero and lovingly remembered for his bravery and humble ways in the workplace. 

The late Mr. Maatusi served his country through multiple fires, the 2009 Tsunami, many Tropical Cyclones, and the 2019 Measles Epidemic.

The former F.E.S.A. official’s body was discovered on 17 February 2021 and the investigation into the possible cause of his death continues, said Auapaau. 

“His post mortem was done this week, so he had been cleared to be laid to rest,” he said.

“But the investigation is now waiting on the findings of the pathologist.” 

Eighteen days after the body was found the Police made an appeal on their Facebook page for members of the public with information to step forward and assist them in their investigation. 

Auapaau said many members of the public contacted the Police following that Facebook post and there were some who were brought in for questioning, but nothing substantive came of it. 

“But we appreciate the people’s efforts with getting in contact with the Police and their willingness to assist with the investigation,” he said. 

“There were a few who were brought in for questioning but there was no substantive information for us to suspect any foul play was involved in his death.” 

In February, the Police said they had not received a missing persons report at the time his body was discovered. 

Members of the public with any information have been urged to call the telephone number 22222 extension 150 and ask for Detective Inspector Papalii Efo Moalele or the Criminal Investigation Division at the Police Headquarters in Apia, should you need further clarification or have any information in relation to the investigation.