A Mother, Daughter, and Niece Killed in Waiuku Crash

Tragedy struck in Waiuku on Tuesday afternoon when a car crashed on Masters Rd, claiming the lives of Frances (Sesi) Latu-Vailea, her daughter Oneahi Vailea, and her niece Marly Tulua. The three were found dead at the scene of the accident, which has sent shockwaves through the local community and left a family reeling from the loss of three loved ones, including an infant just eight weeks old.

Frances Latu-Vailea, a court registrar in the South Auckland courts, was described by colleagues and friends as a devoted mother and a cherished member of her community. Her late husband, Amanaki Vailea, has been left to care for their three sons, with the youngest being a baby. A Givealittle fundraising page has been set up to support the family during this unimaginable time, with over $17,000 raised within hours of its creation.

“We are raising funds to support both grieving families during this unthinkable time,” wrote the page’s creator, Brittany Vaipulu. “Your generous donations will help give Amanaki time to grieve without the burden of immediate financial pressures such as the mortgage and household bills.”

The community has rallied around the family, with flowers left at the crash site and heartfelt tributes shared on social media. One family member wrote, “Why have you gone so soon?” reflecting the deep sorrow felt by those who knew Frances and her children.

Billy McLean, a local resident who was the first to arrive at the scene, described the moment he saw the car, which had crashed into the water and turned upside down. He recounted the eerie silence that preceded the crash, with no signs of a high-speed collision. “It was very subtle,” he said. “There was no revving engine, no squealing brakes.”

McLean, who has witnessed other crashes on the same road, expressed concern about the safety of Masters Rd, which is narrow and lacks a proper shoulder in many places. “There needs to be a change to the road here,” he said. His words have echoed across the community, with many calling for improvements to prevent future tragedies.

Inspector Jared Pirret of the police said the family had asked for privacy as they come to terms with their loss. “They are grieving and are coming to terms with this life-altering event,” he said. “They are receiving an overwhelming amount of contact from extended family and well-wishers.”

Authorities have urged anyone with information to come forward, as the investigation into the crash continues. The tragedy has left a lasting impact on the community, with many calling for urgent action to make the road safer.

Frances Latu-Vailea’s colleagues at the Ministry of Justice have also expressed their devastation, with chief executive Andrew Kibblewhite stating that the loss of Frances, Oneahi, and Marly will have a profound effect on the Justice whānau. “Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with her immediate and extended fāmili,” he said.

The lives of the two children, described as bubbly and full of love, were taken far too soon, leaving a void in the hearts of those who knew them. As the community mourns, the call for change grows stronger, with the hope that no other family will have to endure such a loss.