Media Releases

Mistaken Identification of Remains (II)

Embassy of the United States of America
Suva, Fiji
Wednesday, May 4, 2005

The Embassy would like to provide further information concerning the mistaken identification of the remains of two men whose bodies were returned from the Middle East on Sunday.

We have been informed that the body of Timoci Lalaqila has been positively identified by relatives and will be released to them shortly.  We extend our condolences to the family and friends of this brave man, and deeply regret the added anguish caused to them by the delay in releasing his body for burial.

Based on information provided to us, we believe the second body that arrived on Sunday is not Mr. Waisea Atalifo, but rather is an American citizen who was killed together with Mr. Atalifo and Mr. Lalaqila.  In order to establish conclusively the identities of the remains in Suva and in the United States, DNA samples were obtained on Tuesday by a visiting forensics team and were hand-carried to the United States last night for testing.  We hope to have scientific confirmation of the identities of the two bodies shortly.  We will then work with the employers of the two men to unite them with their families as quickly as possible.

We wish to express our profound thanks to all who have worked hard and unselfishly to help resolve this tragic situation, especially the government of Fiji and the Suva Private Hospital.

Our prayers and sympathies remain with the families and friends of Mr. Atalifo, Mr. Lalaqila, and the as-yet unnamed American citizen.