Fun day turns tragic for Fijian rugby player in California after being swept away by a whirlpool

Fun day turns tragic for Fijian rugby player in California after being swept away by a whirlpool

By Mosese Raqio
11/07/2024
Nasoni Tuitoga Junior. [Image: sportsnet]

A fun planned trip for a group of friends in Santa Rosa, California, USA turned tragic as 28-year-old Fijian rugby player Nasoni Tuitoga Junior was swept away by a whirlpool and never came to shore.

Tuitoga, better known as Tony to many, was a member of Santa Rosa Rugby Club who went to the Russian River in California last Wednesday to swim, but the fun day turned scary after the incident.

In a television interview on KTVU FOX 2, Tuitoga’s friend Joe Quai Hoi, who was also present when the incident happened, says they watched Tuitoga jump in the water.

Hoi says the crazy part was they were yelling out to Tuitoga when they saw him swimming around in circles and asking him if he was okay but he never really replied until he disappeared under the water.

He adds the search and rescue team said when they found Tuitoga, he was about 30–40 feet away from where everyone said he disappeared.

He says Tuitoga’s body was found last Friday afternoon after the crews searched for two days.

Tuitoga’s mother, Lavenia Cavora Tuinaceva Tuitoga says Nasoni’s friends tried to save him, but they were unable to.

Lavenia says she is going to miss him so much, especially his smile.

She says she just keeps on asking God to give her family peace in their hearts.

Nasoni is originally from Naivicula, Wainibuka, Tailevu with maternal links to Matuku, Lau and is the youngest son of Lavenia and Nasoni Tuitoga Snr.

FEATURE NEWS
Bau delegation presents traditional gifts to Tui Nayau ahead of installation as Tui Lau
In recognition of the strong ties between Lau and the chiefly island of Bau, the Bauan delegation has presented its tradition gift to the Tui Nayau, R...
1 hour ago
LATEST NEWS
Positive signs for Fiji as tariff talks continue ahead of extended August 1 deadline
As U.S. President Donald Trump's deadline for increased tariffs has been extended, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Professor Biman ...
43 minutes ago

FCCC warns of AI-generated deepfake scam using fake news video and investment claims
People are being alerted to a highly deceptive scam video currently circulating online which is a deepfake, generated using artificial intelligence ...
50 minutes ago

Radrodro urges students to research TSLS programs and choose career paths Fiji needs
Students should also know and do research about programs in the TSLS and not follow their friends while enrolling in courses that they regret ...
2 hours ago

VitiKart and DHL partner to boost global reach for local MSMEs
In a bold move to empower small and medium-sized enterprises across Fiji, VitiKart and global logistics leader DHL Express have announced a strategic ...
3 hours ago

New veterinary kits to support field work and safety
With the current challenges faced by the Animal Health and Production Division in Fiji due to a lack of resources, the provision of veterinary kits ...
3 hours ago



fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan
Latest Videos

Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
IN DEPTH
Professor Prasad on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan
The show will focus on the 2025/2026 National Budget.
7 hours ago

Tui Nayau and Tui Lau Installation
The ceremony for the installation of the Tui Nayau Sau ni Vanua o Lau will be held tomorrow, while the installation ceremony of the Tui Lau will be held in Tubou on Thursday.
2 days ago

CFL 40th Birthday
CFL’s 40th Anniversary celebrations to culminate with free concert at Albert Park on ...
5 days ago

TOP