The victim of the fatal car accident in Utusi’a yesterday morning has been identified by colleagues at the Department of Health as 33 year-old Marquis Leauma.
He was a clinical counselor with the drug testing program at DOH and is reported to be working towards his doctorate in clinical psychology.
The vehicle he was in is reported to have been traveling at high speed, hit a tree and crashed into the ocean. He was killed at the scene according to witnesses.
Police said there were two young men in the vehicle who took off after the accident, but have since been found and taken into custody.
Leauma arrived about a year ago from the mainland, and according to co-workers was involved in efforts to set up a drug rehabilitation center under the Department of Health.
His friends say he was a likeable and helpful young man and news of his death has come as a shock.
DOH held a prayer service in memory of Mr Leauma yesterday evening at the Tafuna Health Center.
He was a grand nephew of Governor Lolo Moliga. Our condolences to his family on his untimely passing.
