By Martha Taumata Faavae
The body of the father and son killed when they fell into a deep ravine not far from home on the hills of Tiapapata were laid to rest yesterday.
The tragedy occurred just over one week ago when the 14-year-old son slipped and fell to his death into a sharp drop 200m-300m below.
His 52-year-old father rushed to the rescue and also fell to his death after the emergency call by the cousin.
The father was later identified as Tufa Fatu and his son Patrick, was a Year 10 student at Avele College.
A special farewell was held on Friday afternoon at Avele College for the father and his son.
Students lined up in silence as the coffins were carried into the school.
Teachers and students made their parting farewell in a moment of mourning for the school attended by family members of the deceased.
“Our special farewell is a long held school tradition for any student or teacher the day before burial,” a school spokesperson explained.
The bodies were held at the TTM Hospital Mortuary for official confirmation of the cause of death before they were released to the family.