Mereia Koroimatana Boila, 31, of Namuka, Nakelo, Tailevu, was looking forward to spending Christmas with her elder brother Livai Boila, whom she had not seen in 22 years.
Livai Boila.
Mereia Koroimatana Boila, 31, of Namuka, Nakelo, Tailevu, was looking forward to spending Christmas with her elder brother Livai Boila, whom she had not seen in 22 years.
However, her Christmas plans were shattered when she received the devastating news of Mr Boila’s untimely passing in a tragic early morning road accident in England on Thursday, June 15.
He was driving a white heavy goods vehicle (HGV), which according to BBC, emerged from the Red Funnel Ferry terminal in Southampton before colliding with a set of traffic lights on Town Quay. Police attended the scene at about 5.45am.
Mr Boila left for the United Kingdom at the age of 19 to pursue his dream of joining the British Army.
An emotional Ms Mereia fondly remembered her late brother, who was the eldest in their family.
“I was merely in Class Three when he left us. Since then, we only communicated through messenger, telephone conversations and text messages,” Ms Mereia said.
“I was eagerly looking forward to celebrating Christmas with my brother, but now the entire family is overcome with despair.”
She described her brother as a loving, gentle, and kind man who was deeply committed to his village and its well-being.
“My brother was the epitome of love, gentleness, and kindness. He always fulfilled his village responsibilities and made sure to stay connected to his roots and support whenever he could, even from a distance,” Ms Mereia said.
“Even after the loss of our parents, he remained in close contact with me and my brother, providing us with support in every way he could.”
While families in Fiji mourn the loss of their loved one, Ms Mereia said her brother’s funeral would not take place in Fiji.
Mr Boila, is survived by his de-facto partner, Talei Robinson, and their soon-to-be four-year-old son, Livai Boila Jr.
British Army support officer Graeme Tate expressed his condolences to the family.
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