The body of a young man from Tafuna who had been missing in Canada since June 20 , Taufu’i Taliauli, was discovered in the Columbia River on Tuesday morning.
Taufu’i, a graduate of Tafuna High School, fell off the fishing vessel he worked on, Lady Valerie, Monday June 20, and authorities had been searching for him since then.
Clatsop County Medical Examiner ruled his death an accident.
The Daily Astorian reports he was trying to tie down the boat to the dock when the fishing vessel swayed and made Tafu’i’s footing unbalanced.
An eyewitness saw him hit his head and fell unconscious into the river.
The Coast Guard attempted to locate his body but could not do so due to storng currents.
On the morning of Tuesday, July 28, 2016, Tafu’i’s body was discovered around 8:10 am by a passer-by on a morning jog along the Astoria Riverwalk.
Astoria Deputy Chief Eric Halverson said, “This was a tragic situation, and we hope that at least the recovery of Mr. Taliauli’s body will offer the family ease of mind and solace.”
Friends of Taufu’i here in the territory describe him as a church going, obedient son to his parents who reside in Tafuna.
