The four employees of StarKist Samoa who died in a tragic accident in Pago Pago last December have been laid to rest in American Samoa.

Talanei News reported on Tuesday (Monday American Samoa Time) that the final funeral service of one of the deceased staff members, Taumaoe Filipo, was held recently with villagers, church members, friends and colleagues in attendance.

His wife Vaoita said he was a loving and quiet husband, according to Talanei News, who would often just sit and not say a word when they argue. She would be the one yelling and he would just smile and not answer her.

The four deceased staff members are Faasaulala Ahoni, Taumaoe Filipo, Ierome Vili and Alatina Faleasi. 

Members of SOFIAS (Sosaiete a Faafafine i Amerika Samoa) also attended and presented gifts as Taumaoe’s son was a member. 

Starkist Samoa’s management also attended the final service of both Taumaoe and Ierome Vili, who was a security guard and was laid to rest last Saturday (Sunday Samoa Time). 

The funeral of the fourth victim, Faasaulala Ahoni is scheduled for this Friday (Saturday Samoa Time), says Talanei News.

The four Starkist Samoa employees were working in the factory in Pago Pago in the early hours of the morning of Saturday 18 December (Sunday Samoa Time) when a vehicle crashed into the factory fatally injuring them leading to their deaths.

 American Samoa’s Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Public Safety (D.P.S.), Foifua Foifua Jr told Samoa News at that time that the driver of the vehicle was believed to be intoxicated when he drove the vehicle and crashed into the factory.

"The driver of the vehicle that was involved in a horrific car crash early Saturday morning in front of StarKist Samoa cannery at Atu’u has a prior driving under the influence of alcohol conviction," Foifua said.

"He is suspected of D.U.I. (driving under the influence) in this crash accident.”